Furyk defends Ryder Cup

American Ryder Cup veteran Jim Furyk has refused to be drawn into the controversy sparked by Hunter Mahan’s comments about the event.

Mahan, who is 12th in the US race to qualify for September’s competition at Valhalla, caused a minor storm this week by saying players were treated like slaves during Ryder Cup week.

Furyk, who has qualified to make his sixth appearance this year, said he had not heard Mahan’s comments but defended the event nevertheless.

Furyk said: “I’m not exactly sure what was said or the context of it, so it’s probably in my best interest to maybe chat with him and figure out exactly what was said, how it was meant.

“I don’t want to say something against one of my team-mates. I obviously love the Ryder Cup. It is a long week, it is a hard week.

“We are a little tired by the time Friday comes around – but, you know what, so is the European team. They’re in the same place we are. There’s a lot going on, but it’s still a wonderful week.”