Classic Ryder Cup moments, No 6: Tommy’s Tantrum, 1957

Published on 19/09/2012 03:19

IF TEMPERS have been frayed at numerous Ryder Cups in recent years, it was open warfare when the teams clashed at Lindrick Golf Club in Rotherham in 1957.

The main source of US displeasure was the unruly behaviour of the home crowd, which American player Tommy Bolt described as “the worst I have ever seen in my life”.

Bolt himself was no shrinking violet. Winner of the 1958 US Open and a founding father of the Seniors Tour, he was known as “Terrible Tommy” for his tantrums. While having one of the sweetest swings ever seen, he is also remembered for breaking as many clubs as he swung. At Lindrick, the Americans took a 3-1 lead from the foursomes, after which Max Faulkner and Harry Weetman volunteered to stand down from the singles. Not only did Great Britain and Ireland rally to overhaul the lead, but humiliated the visitors in the process. Captain Dai Rees and Christy O’Connor had 7&6 victories complete a 7½-4½ triumph.

There was a fiery match between Bolt and Eric Brown. The Scot won 4&3 and Bolt continued to rage about the spectators in the locker room afterwards, saying, “I guess you won, but I did not enjoy it one bit.” Brown replied: “Nor would I have done after the licking I’ve just given you.”