Stanley says 'fore' story a non-issue
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PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 18: Kyle Stanley of the United States tees off the 11th during the first round of the 148th Open Championship held on the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 18, 2019 in Portrush, United Kingdom. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland – Kyle Stanley said Saturday that criticism from one of his playing partners for failing to yell “fore” on an errant shot is a “non-issue.”
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, one of Stanley’s playing partners for the first two rounds at The Open Championship, confronted Stanley on Friday after Stanley did not issue the warning after his tee shot at the 17th hole. MacIntryre said the ball hit his caddie’s mom, although no medical attention was required.
Stanley discussed the situation following his third round Saturday and was perplexed about MacIntyre’s reaction. He said plenty of people yelled “fore” after the tee shot was launched.
“I’m not really sure why he decided to make such an issue about it,” said Stanley, who shot a 2-over 73 to finish at 2 over through 54 holes. “I know it hit his caddie’s mom’s hands off the bounce, and that’s unfortunate.
“But as far I’m concerned, a number of people yelled ‘fore.’ He made the argument that since I hit the ball, that it maybe should have come out of my mouth first. I guess I can see that.
“But it’s unfortunate it ended up the way it did. It certainly wasn’t my intention to put anyone in harm’s way. I had my wife in the gallery. My coaches. So I’m surprised it’s kind of come to this point.”
The 31-year-old Stanley, a two-time PGA TOUR winner, said he usually yells “fore” when he hits a shot off-line.
“This was a unique situation,” he added. “You have marshals on the tee signaling where the ball is going. You have guys down there in the landing area. Everyone knew the ball was going right.
“Like I said, it’s a bad deal. One hopped into his caddie’s mom. But everyone knew the ball was going over there. … Five or six people on the tee yelled ‘fore’ --- my caddie did, my two playing partners, a couple of the marshals. I thought that was enough.”
The 22-year-old MacIntyre spoke to Stanley afterwards. “It wasn't too pleasant,” MacIntyre said. “But you've got to tell them.”
Stanley said the conversation was not heated.
“We talked about it briefly,” he said. “I was surprised. I was caught off-guard that it even came up, really. I just explained to him my side of it.
“I saw what he said last night (to the media). The way things were kind of painted from his perspective … When you tell your story, you’ve got to make sure you have all the details. From what I read last night, he didn’t do that. He’s a young player. I’ve been out here for a while. So I don’t feel the need to be schooled on the rules of golf or what to do when you hit a shot off-line.
“So that’s kind of my perspective on it. I don’t know, maybe a good learning experience for all.”