It was a rough Ryder Cup debut for Masters champion Danny Willett. After his brother PJ penned an article slamming American spectators for their antics, the hostile Minnesotan crowd had a special greeting for Willett when he made his debut in the afternoon fourballs session.
The abuse that Willett was getting was so bad, that US vice-captain Bubba Watson felt the need to step in to try to get the crowd to calm down - much to the displeasure of the fans.
Bubba Watson having a word with those heckling @Danny_Willett at the moment. Love Willett's attitude. Just gets on with it #RyderCup
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) September 30, 2016
That Willet and Kaymer lost 5&4 to an inspired Brandt Snedeker and Brooks Koepka didn't help - but the crowd consistently shouted at Willett, willing him to hit shots into bunkers or the water hazards during his swing.
When Watson tried to quell the crowd, they turned on him yelling at him to "grow a pair". US golfer Hunter Mahan said of the crowd:
The fans need to control themselves and take it easy on Willett – he’s a good dude. He shouldn’t be punished for someone else’s mistakes.
If any followers are attending the #RyderCup Please heckle @Danny_Willett and tell @bubbawatson to #GrowAPair for me ... thanks in advance
— Undeclared 🌖 (@Tobinator44) October 1, 2016
See Also: Watch: US Golf Fan Lives Up To Obnoxious Reputation By Heckling Justin Rose During Crucial Putt
Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
