FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — There were no international incidents on Wednesday at Bethpage Black as the world got one step closer to the most hyped event in golf history. And the only chorus of boos didn’t cascade down on any European player, but rather New York governor Kathy Hochul at the opening ceremony. To be sure, the New York crowds weren’t as riled up as they’ll be once the competition actually (finally) starts on Friday. But in the meantime, walking around the grounds and overhearing fans was still entertaining. Here’s a sample.
“In two days, the European team played Friars, Sebonack, Shinny and National.”
Perfect use of “Shinny.” And, yes, the Euros are already winners on this trip.
“This is some public golf course.”
What he said. Duh.
“That was awful quick, bud!”
This was the most heckling of a Euro player I heard, but considering it was aimed at Jon Rahm, who has a notably short/quick backswing, it wasn’t quite the dig that guy thought it was.
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“These guys are small!”
Only it came out as “DESE GUYS AHR SMAHL!” because we’re in New York. No, it was not Mike Francesa. Anyway, he was talking about Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland.
“You better guard that hat with your life.”
A dad to a young boy who had gotten the entire European Team to sign his cap. Good call, because you can never be too careful around professional autograph hunters.
Harry How
“Work, shower, gym, sleep. Bro, that’s all I do.”
Good for you, bro, but I hope you work another shower into that schedule.
“That’s pretty good we could tell who it was by their practice swing!”
Well, it was Justin Rose doing that bending over rehearsal move he always does, but still, good job.
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“The seaport area has a real corporate-y feel, but that’s about it.”
I think he was talking about NYC’s South Street Seaport. And I think he was complimenting it, but I’m not fluent in finance bro.
“These corporate buildings are crazy. There’s drywall and fixtures in there!”
Good eye there, Bob Vila. (But seriously, they are crazy.)
“I got a new white visor with a rope to replace the other one.”
That might be the golfiest thing ever said.
“I’m not going to go crazy at the merch shop. I don’t need anymore golf shirts.”
And I don’t believe you.
“Imagine having to walk this sh– multiple days in a row?!”
Score one for the pro golfers are athletes camp! It’s a tough walk!
“So I talked to Phil Mickelson . . . “
Now this piqued my interest, but this guy was going the other way. And it was getting late. And Bethpage Black really is a beast of a walk. So I’m going to assume it was nothing juicy and that Phil just wanted this guy to pick him up one of those white visors with the rope.
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This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
