Ryder Cup 2021: Golf fans erupt into national anthem, 'USA' chants in viral video
A packed crowd at the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin broke out into a spontaneous rendition of the national anthem before chanting "USA, USA!”
"Loud and proud" attendees belted out their love for America just ahead of the first tee shot on Friday, September 24. A united voice of nearly 3,000 people resounded the arena as many waved the Stars and Stripes in the air in what was described as a truly patriotic start to the golfing event. Last month, MEAWW reported how a WWII vet won hearts for his national anthem performance at a Minor League Baseball game in Michigan.
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“USA fans made sure the national anthem was loud and proud before the first tee shots. Ryder Cup in Wisconsin is underway,” local Wisconsin reporter Hannah Hillyard tweeted, sharing a video of the singing phenomenon. The viral footage also saw Golf fans singing “Sweet Caroline” while wearing different types of patriotic attire. According to BizPacReview, some of the outfits were "a bit eccentric. There were Uncle Sam, Founding Fathers, and giant American eagles costumes along with Viking hats."
USA fans made sure the national anthem was loud and proud before the first tee shots.
— Hannah Hilyard WISN (@Hannah_WISN) September 24, 2021
Ryder Cup in Wisconsin is underway. pic.twitter.com/WPYYmgCagM
The Europeans were playfully booed as they approached the tee. However, the jeers weren't loud as it was more of a gesture than a sentiment.
Fans on the first tee of the #rydercup sing the American national anthem this morning pic.twitter.com/izCYy5yvPn
— Adam Stanley (@adam_stanley) September 25, 2021
One European spoke to the Daily Mail about what it took to get to the hotly-anticipated event this year. Ashley Pearson, 40, a recruitment consultant, was determined to attend the event despite travel restrictions between the UK and the US. He reportedly stayed in Mexico for a fortnight before being able to travel to the Ryder Cup.
“We got the tickets three years ago,” Pearson revealed. “In May, June, we still were not allowed in, but my cousin who lives here said you can come in if you come from somewhere outside Europe, like Mexico. I looked at my wife, Jo, and said, ‘The money is going to kill us’ but she said, ‘It’s your 40th, it’s your uncle’s 65th, your cousin’s retirement, it’s the chance of a lifetime. Don’t let anything stop you,'” he recounted.
Pearson said his plans were almost kaput due to non-refundable flights and hotels that were booked as the UK took Mexico from amber to red in their warnings. However, his wife reportedly rescued the situation. “I told her I’ve got to stay in the States for 11 days afterward to get back to England,” he said. “My cousin’s just moved to the beach in Florida so we’re going down there afterward. What was meant to be a three-day golf event has turned into 28 days away from my wife and two kids.”
It's worth noting that Whistling Straits had to delay the biennial event between American and European golfers last year owing to the global health crisis. The last Ryder Cup was hosted by the US in 2016, Minnesota. This year's event is taking place in Wisconsin and will go through Sunday, September 26. The tournament places twelve American golfers against a dozen of their European counterparts. While the Europeans won the event last time, the Americans are favored to win this time.