Furious Jim Furyk to reporter: "I don't hate you but it's a pretty s----- thing to say"
Team USA captain Jim Furyk unloaded on a reporter when he was asked if the Presidents Cup needed an International victory to spark some life into the contest.
Jim Furyk went on a sensational rant when a reporter asked the U.S. Presidents Cup captain if the biennial contest needed an International victory for the sake of the competition.
Furyk will lead the red, white and blue next week in Canada at Royal Montreal Golf Club in Quebec.
Despite playing in hostile territory, the U.S. side are the overwhelming favourites to win the Cup once again.
Over its 30-year history, Team USA have triumphed in 12 of the 14 matches played.
The International side's only victory came in 1998. In 2003, captains Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus agreed to share the Cup.
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Some observers may argue this year that the inclusion of LIV golfers Cameron Smith, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Joaquinn Niemann may boost the Presidents Cup profile.
But an International victory may also help increase the numbers of those watching.
Golfweek's Adam Schupak put this theory to Furyk.
And it's fair to say Furyk wasn't happy at all.
Furyk blasted: "Really? You're American. You've got to understand, I do actually take offense at that.
"I don't hate you but it’s a pretty s----- thing to say.
"I was in New York helping out Steve Stricker at Liberty National and a very high-ranking official at the PGA Tour said, 'Good luck, this week.'
"Just the way he said it, it was so back-handed. I said, 'You know, I’m not exactly sure I know what that's suppose to mean.'
"He said, 'Well, you know, it would really help the event.' I said, 'Really? Did you ever play anything in your entire life as a competitor?
"Because I'd rather you not even say good luck than say it and not even mean it.
"Do you know how hard, how many hours, the captains work to try to win these matches?
"Do you know how hard and how much effort the players, how hard they take it when they don't play well?"
Furyk said he had seen 'grown men cry' in locker rooms because of how much representing their country in the Presidents Cup means to them.
He added: "I know what you're saying, but do you know how offended I am?"
Schupak said he apologised for the offense.
Furyk continued: "No, you should know better. So it's not like I'm killing you right now, but f---. Go f--- yourself. You can quote me on that one."
The Presidents Cup gets underway on 24 September.
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