Sam Torrance has some advice for fans and players at the next Ryder Cup: Behave yourself.
"There is one thing in golf that is bigger than the Ryder Cup -- and that is the game itself and its reputation throughout the world," the European captain said today at The Belfry, site of the September showdown with the United States.
"We have to uphold that reputation," he said. "We have never had cause to doubt it in the past, and hopefully we won't have cause to doubt it this time."
At the last Ryder Cup in Brookline, Mass., American players ran across the 17th green to celebrate a birdie by Justin Leonard before Jose Maria Olazabal had a chance to putt.
European players also complained they were harassed by fans, and captain Mark James said someone spit at his wife. Torrance is intent on avoiding a backlash.
"The captain's message is to behave yourself -- and that goes to the players as well," Torrance said.
The Belfry will have unprecedented number of 1,200 marshals and security staff. Alcohol will be banned from the grandstands.
Torrance said he spoke last week with U.S. captain Curtis Strange.
"They know they have a responsibility to tone it down a bit as our team does," he said. "I'm sure they will manage that."
