Gallacher On Overton Gamesmanship: "Typical Americans"

I just saw this Daily Mail item and from what I can tell, Jeff Overton was well within his rights. Though Lord knows, the Europeans have never stooped so low as to question a ruling! That didn't stop former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher from accusing the U.S.A. rookie of gamesmanship.

Overton’s opponent Ross Fisher asked match referee David Williams for a ruling on the eighth hole when his ball landed among the battered rough. The ruling was duly given by Williams, an official on the European Tour, but when Overton questioned it.

Gallacher, working for BBC Radio 5 Live, questioned the rookie’s motives. Gallacher then muttered: ‘Typical Americans,’ a remark to which Overton objected.

The debutant’s father, Ron, exchanged angry words with Gallacher in front of shocked fans.

Debutant? Very nice. Here's guessing dad was listening to the on-course radio?

If the incident did not help Fisher, two up at the time, it certainly fired Overton, 27, into a stirring comeback. He won the hole and eventually the match 3&2 as Englishman Fisher fell apart.

Gallacher, captain in 1991, 1993 and 1995 - winning the latter - remained unrepentant.

The Scot said: ‘It was just typical American gamesmanship to try and put Fisher off his game. I told Overton he should respect the referee’s decision. He wasn’t too happy.’