A pair of male Solheim Cup caddies sparked controversy on Saturday after tearing off their shirts in celebration of Alison Lee’s goal for Team USA.
In a bizarre moment caught on NBC cameras, the American launched a wedge into the hole from 86 yards away, sparking wild celebrations among the crowd and even wilder celebrations among the caddies.
Megan Khang’s caddie, Jack Fulghum, and Lee’s bag carrier, Taylor Takada, immediately ripped off their shirts and began hugging the players and then each other, while the players themselves laughed and looked somewhat bemused.
The reason for the celebration, which sparked controversy online and was described as “classless” by some, was later explained in the broadcast by field reporter Kay Cockerill.
She revealed that just minutes earlier, while standing on the tee box, Fulghum had told players he would give any of them $500 if they managed to hole out at any point during the round.
Taylor Takada (left) and Jack Fulghum (right) took off their shirts at the Solheim Cup
Caddies celebrated wildly after Alison Lee holed out after a bet on the tee box.
In response, Team USA star Lee reportedly said: “No, if we fail, you guys take off your shirts.”
Just a few minutes later, that same scenario occurred, and the pair of caddies kept their end of the bet and showed some skin in the middle of the fairway.
However, some fans watching the match from home criticised the move, with one writing: “Come on USA. Have some class. If I was in charge the caddies would be removed immediately. I don’t care if we lose the match.”
Another added: “Absolutely disgraceful,” while another viewer added: “What a disgrace.”
Lee celebrates during a big day for Team USA at the Solheim Cup in Gainesville, Virginia
Team Europe was still preparing to hit their shot as Team USA’s caddies ran around topless.
There were those who enjoyed it, with one golf fan commenting: “How amazing was that!”
Part of the controversy appears to stem from the demure nature of golf and the tradition of the sport, in which players are required to wear a collar at all times and keep their emotions in check on the course.
There is also expected to be a level of respect between players and their opponents, and Team USA already had a big advantage over their European opponents.
While the caddies ran around topless and the American players laughed, Team Europe was just a few metres away trying to continue their own round of golf and stay in the competition.