The Presidents Cup takes place in New Jersey this week, with the shadow of national anthem protests lurking over the event.
The United States take on a team of International players in the Ryder Cup-styled event. The team of 12 American players will take to the course just across the river from New York City, but dont expect them to kneel whilst the anthem is played.
Golfers are among the most Republican of supporters in the American sports world. A survey of Champions Tour golfers last year showed that Donald Trump was the most popular of Republican candidates before he won the Presidential Election.
Speaking to the Golf Channel on Tuesday morning, two-time Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III said he sees no reason why the American players may protest this week at Liberty National GC.
I think you’ll see in golf that there’s a little bit more restraint. We adhere to our rulebook and to our core values and to our traditions, and I think that’s why our sport is so successful. Look to NASCAR. They start their race with a prayer, where they bow their heads and respect the national anthem at the same time.
There’s a time for us to protest,and it really isn’t during the national anthem. We ought to take a break during the prayer or during the national anthem to thank our country, to thank our forefathers who went before us. And then we can protest with our votes, with our letters to our congressmen or however we want.
But I think President Trump is right. There is a time for protest, and it probably isn’t during the national anthem. Our country has fought hard for that right.
Love continued by say he feels the 12 American players will put their best foot forwards in the coming days, by respecting their country.
You'll see respect for our country no matter what's going on.
If Americans are looking for sports stars to lead social change, they wont be finding it from their golfers.
