Miller Blamed for US Team Celebration (Watson Has His Theories)
Los Angeles Times 29Sep99 S2
By Thomas Bonk: Times Staff Writer

This last September, the U.S. golf team staged the greatest last-day comeback in Ryder Cup history and defeated Europe, 14 1/2-13 1/2, winning the Cup for the first time in six years. An Impromptu celebration ensued after a European player missed his birdie hole shot, which lost the match allowing the Americans to win. The rowdy celebration infuriated the European players, who felt was out of character for the game to have players act with such exuberance.

U S Golfer and former Team Captain, Tom Watson put some of the fault on the European team's irritating but legal tactic of slowing down the play, which backfired by allowing the crowd to feel agitated and to start heckling the European players. He also erroneously blamed LDS TV commentator Johnnie Miller for making inflammatory statements at inopportune times that agitated the crowd who were listening in on ear pieces. Bro. Miller is former pro golfer and a BYU graduate.

However, after reviewing the tape of the broadcast, it was discovered that no such remarks were made.

The US players have apologized for their boisterousness. The European players say they may not be back next year. One is left to wonder if it is just sour grapes and will soon blow over. That is what the US team feels.