Team Europe loves to act like they own golf etiquette. They spent all week lecturing American fans that golf “should be held to a higher standard.” Then they stepped onto Bethpage and proved they’re no better. That hypocrisy reeks, and I’m calling it out.

Let’s be real. American fans were rowdy. There were heckles, personal taunts, and even a few bottles thrown. Security had to boot people for going too far. That’s not something to defend. Fans should never risk the players’ safety or ruin the event. But here’s the difference: when you claim moral superiority, you don’t get to match the behavior you’re condemning.

I watched Rory McIlroy tell hecklers to “shut the fuck up.” I saw European players jawing back at the crowd instead of putting their heads down and playing golf. That’s not composure. That’s not dignity. If you think you’re above it, you don’t hurl profanity at fans and bait them for more. This was supposed to be the team with class. Instead, they looked like the same fans they mocked.

Here’s what everyone’s missing. After Europe won, the celebration turned into open taunting. Players chanted at the U.S. president like it was a frat party. Then came the stunt that said it all: a European flag draped over Bryson DeChambeau’s name on the players’ bridge. You can’t cry foul about fan behavior and then drape your flag over a rival’s name like a gloating child. That’s not “passion.” That’s a cheap shot.

Europe spent the week acting like victims while firing back at fans and trolling American players. That’s textbook double standard. If you claim the high ground, you can’t roll in the mud the second you win. American fans deserve plenty of blame. The MC who hyped up the crowd and had to resign was a total embarrassment. But calling out bad fans doesn’t excuse players acting the same way. Condemn the abuse. Then act like you mean it. Don’t copy the offense you decry.

Captains and star golfers set the tone for the Ryder Cup. If a captain says the crowd went too far, that message only matters if the team shows it’s above the nonsense. Instead, Team Europe mocked rivals, swore at hecklers, and pulled off that flag stunt. All that does is hollow out their message and make critics right.

Credit where it’s due: Europe played great and earned the trophy. But winning doesn’t grant moral immunity. Celebrate hard, sure. Turning celebration into humiliation? Weak move. Fans love rivalry and drama, but sportsmanship has to matter more than the last laugh. The footage of that flag over an American name looked petty because it was petty.

If golf wants to stay above the worst of fan culture, the players have to show the higher standard they talk about. That means no baiting the crowd, no profanity, no cheap shots after a win. Organizers need to enforce rules, no slurs, no beer-flinging, no MCs stirring chaos, and teams have to own their actions. Win with class, or your victory becomes part of the problem.

This wasn’t a one-sided meltdown. Fans and players both fed the fire. The difference is simple: you can condemn bad behavior and choose not to copy it. Team Europe had the chance to prove they were better. Instead, they turned a big win into a lesson in hypocrisy.

Golf deserves more than theatre. Stop pretending you’re better while acting worse. That’s not leadership. That’s a bad look for the sport, and Europe owns it.

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