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
-
Videos
WATCH: Young woman steps up confidently to drive – and loses club behind her
Golf’s influencer girls can make it look easy.
-
Equipment
Pros give their verdict on Callaway Chrome Tour and Chrome Tour X balls
Callaway staffers have now had a good period of time to get used to their new ball offerings, the Chrome Tour and Chrome Tour X.
-
Videos
WATCH: 7 times the pros horribly fluffed their shots like the rest of us
Just when you think you have it all figured out.
-
Equipment
Collin Morikawa switches his putter again – and marvels at ‘incredible’ results
Collin Morikawa isn’t a professional who changes clubs lightly but he also isn’t averse to moving with the times.
-
Videos
WATCH: Kid pulls off unbelievable flop shot over his dad’s head
The flop shot is all about getting up and down with precision and this kid has it all.
-
Equipment
The clubs that helped Peter Malnati end his title drought at the Valspar Championship
Titleist staffer Peter Malnati ended his long wait for another championship at Innisbrookâs Copperhead Course.
-
Videos
WATCH: Amateur golfer takes hacking to a new level – leaving crowd in fits of laughter
Hackers are going to hack.
-
Courses
Four of the best golf clubs to play in Singapore, a year-round golfing haven
Here we look at four golf clubs or resorts that sport at least two stunning courses.