SOUTHPORT, England (AP) — The only Argentine golfer to play in the British Open field was playfully jeered by some spectators on the first tee Thursday, the morning after the national soccer team’s dramatic come-from-behind victory over England in the World Cup.
A few hours later, Matteo Pulcini gave an interesting reply.
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After sinking a 40-foot putt for birdie on the 18th green at Royal Birkdale, the 25-year-old amateur cupped his ears in a gesture to the crowd, imitating the celebration his compatriot Enzo Fernandes gave after Argentina’s 85th-minute equalizer on Wednesday. Argentina won 2-1 in the semifinals.
“I was so excited and it just came to mind,” he said. “And that’s what we did.”
Pulcini stressed that there was just “a little bit of booing” on the first tee and that it was a bit of fun.
“The people were great. The fans were great. They were rooting for me too,” he said.
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When asked what he liked better, the putt on No. 18 or seeing Fernandes’ goal, Pulcini said, “Enzo’s goal, for sure.”
Pulcini won the Latin American Amateur Championship in a playoff held in Peru, qualified, and made his British Open debut.
He shot a 5-over 75 on Thursday.
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AP Golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
