Stricker: Our players will respect the flag

Steve Stricker, Team USA captain at the upcoming Presidents Cup, revealed that none of the players on his team plan to protest the national anthem.
The NFL experienced a wave of protest against the national anthem over the weekend, with many players kneeling while some teams did not even come out of their dressing room, even prompting a series of scathing tweets from President Donald Trump.
Stricker held a meeting with his 12 players about what the team expected during their President’s Cup campaign and the decision was unanimous.
"We've had that discussion already…none of my players want to do that,” the veteran told ESPN.
"I just wanted to know what they wanted to do and how we wanted to proceed as a team. We are going to do what we always do, and that's take off our hat and put our hands across our chest and over our heart and respect the flag. So that's what we're planning on doing."
Now on the tee … from the 🇺🇸 …@DanielBerger59 @BKoepka @JordanSpieth @PReedGolf #PresidentsCup practices rounds are underway! pic.twitter.com/Asi2MqNrqZ
— Presidents Cup (@PresidentsCup) September 26, 2017
Rickie Fowler, who helped Team USA to the 2015 title in South Korea, revealed that his relationship with legendary golf instructor Butch Harmon made it an easy decision.
"I don't see it being a big issue next week with either team," added the 28-year-old.
"I don't think there's ever going to be a situation where I don't recognize the national anthem. There's a lot that went into giving us the freedom. I'm not saying guys can't do that, that's their freedom of speech, they have the right to do that.
“For me, personally, being around Butch, someone who fought in Vietnam, the flag represents a lot. I'm going to pay respect to the people who gave us our rights and our freedom."
The 12th edition of the Presidents Cup tees off at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey on Thursday.
Latest
-
PGA Tour
Daniel Gavins survives final-hole drama to win Ras Al Khaimah Championship
The Englishman held his nerve to hole for a double-bogey seven on the 18th and clinch a one-shot victory.
-
PGA Tour
Gareth Bale admits to nerves on debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-am
The 33-year-old, who announced his retirement from football last month, is a two-handicapper.
-
PGA Tour
Jordan Spieth wants Pebble Beach to become one of PGA Tour’s elevated events
The PGA Tour’s top players have committed to playing against each other at least 20 times a year.
-
PGA Tour
G4D Open is ‘great news’ for golfers with disabilities – Brendan Lawlor
Up to 80 players will contest the inaugural event in May.
-
PGA Tour
It’s been a battle – Rory McIlroy delighted to pip rival Patrick Reed in Dubai
The Northern Irishman birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish a shot ahead of Reed on 19 under par.
-
PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy holds off rival Patrick Reed with birdie on 18 to seal Dubai win
McIlroy birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish 19 under par.
-
PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy leads by three in bid to win his third Dubai Desert Classic title
England’s Callum Shinkwin and Dan Bradbury are McIlroy’s closest challengers heading into the final round.
-
LPGA Tour
Golf bid to increase diversity in sport improving but still has ‘long way to go’
Nicola Bennett is an ambassador for the Golf Foundation, helping to drive grassroots campaigns.
-
PGA Tour
Richard Bland boasts share of lead at halfway stage in Dubai Desert Classic
The 49-year-old returned to complete his second round on Saturday morning, carding three more birdies and a solitary bogey in his remaining 14 holes.
-
News
On this day in 2009 – Colin Montgomerie appointed Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
The Scot made eight playing appearances in the competition.