Archive September 25, 2025

Fitzpatrick’s parents avoid Ryder Cup over abusive fans

Images courtesy of Getty

Matt Fitzpatrick, a member of Europe, claims that his parents, in part due to abusive American fans they encountered four years ago, have decided not to compete at Bethpage.

In the days leading up to the biennial three-day event, the level of partisan support at the New York course this weekend and whether it will cross the line have been a hot topic of conversation.

When the contest was last played on American soil at Whistling Straits, Fitzpatrick’s parents, Russell and Susan, heard objectionable remarks toward Europeans, Fitzpatrick recently told the Times.

Another significant reason for his parents’ absence, according to Fitzpatrick’s wife, is that they will play alongside him in the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews the following week.

The Englishman, who is making his fourth Ryder Cup appearance on Thursday, said at Bethpage, “There is, obviously, a little bit of] the previous abuse] they didn’t have a great experience in Whistling Straits.

The other thing is that they didn’t really want to ruin the Dunhill experience because that’s obviously unique.

There is no disputing that they had negative experiences in the past, but it is impossible to imagine that this has to be the case.

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The European team’s attitude toward them during this week’s practice sessions, which were largely respectful and admirative, has been largely polite and encouraging.

When accompanied by an adult who pays for a $255 (£190) ticket, children under the age of 15 are given free admission.

American player Collin Morikawa described the lead-up as being “tame” and expressed the hope that “Friday is just absolute chaos” from the home fans.

Ireland’s Shane Lowry claimed that his wife had been subjected to “dog’s abuse” from American fans following Europe’s crushing defeat in Whistling Straits in 2021.

Lowry made an effort on Thursday to avoid any incendiary comments, just like Fitzpatrick and in keeping with the European team’s careful PR strategy.

Going there was a surprise surprise because that was my first Ryder Cup experience, and it was obviously my first away one, according to the 2019 Open champion.

However, it never comes as bad when you’re ready for something. I think the New Yorkers have enjoyed themselves so far this week.

It’s obvious that practice days are coming up, but it’s also a little bit lighter. It is what it is. The Americans must have had a bad time at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, which I’m pretty sure was not.

You must be yourself, conduct your own business, and make the most of it. You let it help you rather than hinder you.

“I believe we are mentally and physically prepared for it all.” We’ll see”.

There is anticipated to be a noticeable change in the American fans’ attitudes toward the visitors when the action begins for real on Friday.

Sean Mateiko, a Long Islander who was present on Wednesday’s practice day with his two children, told BBC Sport, “We’re not going to attack the Europeans today. Let’s wait for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”

Other partisan home supporters have argued that Europeans must have “some thick skin” in order for Americans to “not hold back.”

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related subjects

  • Golf
  • Ryder Cup

Fitzpatrick’s parents avoid Ryder Cup over abusive fans

Images courtesy of Getty

Matt Fitzpatrick, a member of Europe, claims that his parents, in part due to abusive American fans they encountered four years ago, have decided not to compete at Bethpage.

In the days leading up to the biennial three-day event, the level of partisan support at the New York course this weekend and whether it will cross the line have been a hot topic of conversation.

When the contest was last played on American soil at Whistling Straits, Fitzpatrick’s parents, Russell and Susan, heard objectionable remarks toward Europeans, Fitzpatrick recently told the Times.

Another significant reason for his parents’ absence, according to Fitzpatrick’s wife, is that they will play alongside him in the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews the following week.

The Englishman, who is making his fourth Ryder Cup appearance on Thursday, said at Bethpage, “There is, obviously, a little bit of] the previous abuse] they didn’t have a great experience in Whistling Straits.

The other thing is that they didn’t really want to ruin the Dunhill experience because that’s obviously unique.

There is no disputing that they had negative experiences in the past, but it is impossible to imagine that this has to be the case.

JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.

The European team’s attitude toward them during this week’s practice sessions, which were largely respectful and admirative, has been largely polite and encouraging.

When accompanied by an adult who pays for a $255 (£190) ticket, children under the age of 15 are given free admission.

American player Collin Morikawa described the lead-up as being “tame” and expressed the hope that “Friday is just absolute chaos” from the home fans.

Ireland’s Shane Lowry claimed that his wife had been subjected to “dog’s abuse” from American fans following Europe’s crushing defeat in Whistling Straits in 2021.

Lowry made an effort on Thursday to avoid any incendiary comments, just like Fitzpatrick and in keeping with the European team’s careful PR strategy.

Going there was a surprise surprise because that was my first Ryder Cup experience, and it was obviously my first away one, according to the 2019 Open champion.

However, it never comes as bad when you’re ready for something. I think the New Yorkers have enjoyed themselves so far this week.

It’s obvious that practice days are coming up, but it’s also a little bit lighter. It is what it is. The Americans must have had a bad time at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, which I’m pretty sure was not.

You must be yourself, conduct your own business, and make the most of it. You let it help you rather than hinder you.

“I believe we are mentally and physically prepared for it all.” We’ll see”.

There is anticipated to be a noticeable change in the American fans’ attitudes toward the visitors when the action begins for real on Friday.

Sean Mateiko, a Long Islander who was present on Wednesday’s practice day with his two children, told BBC Sport, “We’re not going to attack the Europeans today. Let’s wait for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”

Other partisan home supporters have argued that Europeans must have “some thick skin” in order for Americans to “not hold back.”

JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.

related subjects

  • Golf
  • Ryder Cup

Alcaraz Sweats On Ankle Injury After Opening Win In Japan

After recovering from an ankle injury in a 6-4, 6-2 win over Sebastian Baez from Argentina on Thursday, world number one Carlos Alcaraz is sweating on his fitness at the Japan Open.

In the fifth game of the opening set in Tokyo, US Open champion Alcaraz sat on the court grimacing for a while while chasing a shot.

Before gingerly returning, the Spaniard had his left ankle severely strapped during a medical timeout.

He soon took a 5-4 lead and quickly jumped up and overto the top of the world, breaking world number 41 Baez.

The stadium’s roof was closed for a further 30 minutes as organisers closed the venue while it was being rained.

Also read: Ronaldo asks Ancelotti to select Neymar for the World Cup.

Alcaraz, a six-time Grand Slam champion, came out strong and won the first set before squeezing past Baez in the third.

Sebastian Baez of Argentina and Carlos Alcaraz of Spain square off in a round-of-32 match at the Tokyo ATP Japan Open tennis tournament on September 25, 2025. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/AFP)

Afterward, the Spaniard was unsure about the extent of the injury, stating that if it could have an impact on the tournament’s duration.

He declared, “I have a significant day and a half ahead of me before the next game.”

“We’ll see what happens,” the leader said. I’ll do everything possible to get ready for the following round and in good shape.

Alcaraz is debuting at the Japan Open, and as he emerged in a burgundy sleeveless outfit, the crowd cheered him on.

Their applause quickly turned into concern when he lost balance halfway through the opening set, suggesting that he might not be able to continue.

My ankle didn’t feel good at all during the first few minutes of play, Alcaraz said.

“But then, all of a sudden, I started to feel a little better. What was a relief for me to be able to walk to the bench.

In the following round, on Saturday, Alcaraz will face Belgian Zizou Bergs, who is 45.

The US’s Taylor Fritz, the number two seed, defeated Gabriel Diallo, the country’s No. 3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7 / 3), to win the match.

Last week at the Laver Cup in San Francisco, Fritz, the fifth-ranked player, defeated Alcaraz.

The two Laver Cup matches, in general, “give me a lot of confidence,” Fritz said.

“I’m playing good tennis, but it’s not easy to fly that far, experience jet lag, practice later in the day, switch between different court conditions, different balls,” I said.

Casper Ruud, the top seed in Norway, defeated Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, to advance.

Can you name players with 100 wickets and 1,000 runs in Test cricket?

Due to his fitness concerns, England international Chris Woakes is unlikely to receive a new central contract.

We thought we’d mark it with a delightfully challenging quiz in the wake of the possibility that a fantastic 12-year Test career might be over.

Since World War Two, Woakes is one of 72 men’s cricket players who has taken 100 wickets and 1,000 runs. What is the other 71, please?

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related subjects

  • England Men’s Cricket Team
  • Cricket

Can you name players with 100 wickets and 1,000 runs in Test cricket?

Due to his fitness concerns, England international Chris Woakes is unlikely to receive a new central contract.

We thought we’d mark it with a delightfully challenging quiz in the wake of the possibility that a fantastic 12-year Test career might be over.

Since World War Two, Woakes is one of 72 men’s cricket players who has taken 100 wickets and 1,000 runs. What is the other 71, please?

What data are gathered from this quiz?
Would you like another quiz? Sign up for notifications to receive the most recent football quizzes straight to your device by going to our dedicated football quizzes page.

related subjects

  • England Men’s Cricket Team
  • Cricket

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