PGA chief expecting quieter US approach

ONE of Europe’s leading golf officials has spoken about the responsibility facing the United States side at the Ryder Cup next week.

‘‘I think the American team have a responsibility to avoid the ‘ra-ra’ mentality we’ve seen occasionally in the past,’’ said Sandy Jones, chief executive of the Professional Golfers’ Association based at The Belfry. We don’t want any repeat of the ‘War on the Shore’ stuff, for example, which marred the match at Kiawah Island (in 1991).’’

Jones, speaking in The Scotsman newspaper, expects a lively atmosphere despite the 12-month postponement caused by the September 11 atrocities. ‘‘I think once the matches get under way then the players will be drawn into the spirit of the competition,’’ he added.

‘‘The spectators will respond to that and the atmosphere may not be so different from what we’ve seen in the past.

“I’m sure the American team will be given a cordial welcome, but, to be honest, there’s no history on this side of the Atlantic of the kind of behaviour witnessed at Brookline.’’

European players, particularly Colin Montgomerie, were badly heckled in Boston three years ago and Europe captain Mark James suggested a loss of hole penalty for future matches if any player was deemed to have incited the crowd by excessive fist-pumping or other actions. That has not been introduced for next week’s clash. Eleven years ago in South Carolina some members of the American side wore camouflage caps and therefore drew comparisons with soldiers fighting in the Gulf War.

Security will, not surprisingly, be tighter next week than at any previous golf event in Europe.

Spectators will be subjected to airport-like inspections and are being encouraged to bring as few items as possible with them. Mobile phones will be banned if they are used on the course.

Meanwhile, nine members of Europe’s Ryder Cup team have confirmed their participation in next month’s Dunhill Links Championship.

Captain Sam Torrance will be joined by Colin Montgomerie, Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood, Thomas Bjorn, Pádraig Harrington, Paul McGinley, Phillip Price, Niclas Fasth and Pierre Fulke for the 5 million event from October 3-6.

The tournament, which was plagued by bad weather last year, features 168 teams of one professional and one amateur contesting the first three rounds over the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.

After 54 holes the field is reduced to the leading 60 professionals and ties plus the 20 leading teams who will play the final round over the Old Course.

Celebrity amateurs taking part include film stars Hugh Grant and Samuel L Jackson and sportsmen Ian Botham, Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Steve Redgrave and Gianluca Vialli.