Mateo Pulcini, the only Argentine in this year's Open field, risked the crowd's ire by imitating Enzo Fernández's goal celebration after sinking a 40-foot putt on the 18th hole during the first round at Royal Birkdale. The 25-year-old cupped his hands to his ears, mimicking Fernández's celebration after scoring the equaliser against England in the World Cup semi-final. Despite fears of violating the R&A's new code of conduct, which threatens ejection for bad behaviour, the 70,000 fans responded with cheers and a solitary cry of "Vamos."
Pulcini embraces the reaction
Pulcini, who qualified for The Open by winning the Latin America Amateur Championship in January, received a few boos when his name was announced on the first tee. However, after finishing his round five over par, he praised the crowd's behaviour. "I love it," he said. "I really don't mind. It's part of the fun. The fans are something spectacular. They were cheering for me as well." Asked which felt better, holing the putt or Fernández's goal, Pulcini chuckled: "Enzo and Lautaro's goals, for sure. Today wasn't the best, so I'll take those two goals."
Positive vibes at Royal Birkdale
There had been concerns about a repeat of the crowd misbehaviour seen at last year's Ryder Cup and the US Open at Shinnecock Hills. But Royal Birkdale has felt more like a "vicarage tea party" than a hostile environment. Robert MacIntyre, who endured taunts at the Ryder Cup such as "Eat another burger, Bobby?" and "When you starting Ozempic?", appreciated the atmosphere after shooting three under. "The Open crowd is the best every time," he said. "I didn't hear one shout off the tee box of 'get in the hole' or all the daft shouts you get. It was very much just golf and people enjoying golf."
Tom Watson warns about betting and phones
Tom Watson, winner of The Open 43 years ago at Royal Birkdale, expressed concern about betting-related disruptions. "We have an issue with betting," he said. "What really concerns me is that somebody is going to be on a cell phone like this. He's got a betting app like this. He's got this guy out here. I'm going to bet that he misses this putt. He clicks his $100 bet and then yells in the guy's back swing. That's what concerns me." Watson suggested an Augusta-style ban on mobile phones, though most spectators used them to take photos. He stressed that the majority of fans and players still uphold traditional values of respect.
Pulcini avoids politics
Pulcini sported the Argentina flag on his driver's head cover, cap, and shoes but refused to discuss the team holding a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas." "I saw it, but I don't want to talk politics, just golf and football," he said. "I wasn't even going to put football with golf, but then I made a 40-footer so I was excited."
