“Born in a barn” – Hall of Famer blasts Presidents Cup spectators

One of golf’s most decorated players was far from impressed with the behaviour of the spectators at the Presidents Cup.

Nancy Lopez took to X, formerly Twitter, to articulate her disappointment at hearing fans booing the opposition at Royal Montreal this week.

After a lacklustre opening day – which prompted some criticism from International team star Tom Kim – the crowds at the biennial dust-up found their voice, becoming increasingly louder and more boisterous as the match wore on.

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However, according to three-time major champion Lopez, certain elements of the support crossed the line.

“It is disappointing to hear the crowds at the Presidents Cup booing any team,” wrote the Hall of Famer. “We should always want good golf and act like people with class instead of acting like they were born in a barn. Solheim Cup and fans were awesome.”

To Lopez’ point, booing was noticeable during the introduction of several of the US players on the first tee during Sunday’s final singles session.

That, though, is quite a departure from the early stages of the contest.

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The aforementioned Kim, 22, lamented quiet galleries after the US romped into a 5-0 opening session lead on Thursday.

“I think it was a little too quiet today being on home soil,” said the South Korean. “I don’t think the fans were really — I wish they would have helped us out a bit more, especially being in Canada. I know how much they love golf.

“I’m definitely expecting more crowds to be louder and for them to be on our side.”

Teammate Taylor Pendrith echoed Kim’s thoughts, adding: “To feel the love of the home crowd being in Canada was really neat. We need to get louder, I think, the next few days here and really feel the home support.”

Too loud? Too quiet? It’s evidently not easy being a spectator these days…

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor