Sobering thoughts for US Cup fans

ONE of the most valuable lessons of the unfortunate incidents during the 1999 match at Brookline is that no alcohol will be allowed on the South Course during this week’s Ryder Cup match at Oakland Hills.

The American players let themselves and their cause down by their extraordinary demonstration after Justin Leonard holed his (in) famous putt against Jose-Maria Olazabal on the 17th green on the final afternoon.

However, there is no doubt that the appalling behaviour of a number of fans was caused by the consumption of beer that went on from the early afternoon through to the climax, with crates of the stuff being carried around the golf course with the sanction of the marshals.