Former professional golfer Paige Spiranac has called on the Ryder Cup to enforce a no-phones policy, following concerns over the lack of atmosphere at Bethpage Black.
Team Europe has made a fast start at the Ryder Cup, leading Team USA by five points after Saturday’s morning session. The sell-out attendance didn’t benefit the Americans, after President Donald Trump’s imminent arrival impacted thousands of fans on Friday morning.
As expected, there has been some hostility between European and American fans, with Shane Lowry showing his appreciation for a chant mocking how quiet the home supporters were. Spiranac believes that the Ryder Cup can boost the atmosphere by following Augusta National and banning technology on the course.
The Masters still follows a strict no-phones policy, aligning with traditions. All cell phones and other electronic devices are prohibited on the Augusta National Golf Club grounds during the tournament.
While there is no evidence to suggest that cell phones have decreased noise and engagement, it’s plausible to suggest that the device can become a distraction. “I think the Ryder Cup should pull an Augusta no phones rule. The energy would be all time,” Spiranac claimed on X.
American fans roared fiercely at the start of both days, with Bryson DeChambeau hyping the crowd from the first tee box. American fans have also been chirping at Rory McIlroy, who is seen as Europe’s main threat.
However, the noise was inconsistent, possibly due to the course results. Team USA was humbled in the opening session as Team Europe won 3-1, and they also lost the afternoon session.
It was deja vu on Saturday morning, as Team Europe recorded another 3-1 win in the foursomes matches. After winning in Rome two years ago, Europe needs just 5.5 points to retain the Ryder Cup.
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Team USA needs 11 points to win, though victory is looking increasingly unlikely. The Americans will need the crowd to assist any comeback attempt, but the home crowd was savagely mocked on Friday and heard more jeers on Saturday.
European fans channeled their inner soccer roots and began chanting, “Is this a library?” referring to how quiet the Americans were. Lowry acknowledged the chants, and said on Friday: “Yeah, I thought they were pretty good last night at the Opening Ceremony to be honest.
“They were pretty loud. I was pretty happy with that. They are good fun. There are some great songs. I think there’s going to be –you know, there’s a lot of Irish people and there’s a lot of European people that live in and around New York, and I’m pretty sure there’s going to be quite a few Europeans here this week, which hopefully they can be as loud as they can.
“Hopefully we can give them something to cheer about. That’s the thing. If we play good golf, the American crowd will be quiet; the European crowd will be loud. So it’s up to us to do that.”
