Mateo Pulcini drew fans' love at The Open after celebrating a 40-foot putt with a risky gesture inspired by Argentina's World Cup hero Enzo Fernández. The 25-year-old amateur golfer, the only Argentinian in the field, made the long putt on the 18th hole and mimicked Fernández's celebration, cupping his hands to his ears. Despite concerns about the R&A's new code of conduct, the crowd responded with cheers and a cry of "Vamos."
How Pulcini's Celebration Became a Viral Moment
Pulcini's putt was one of the longest of the first day, snaking across the green before dropping. His immediate reaction—raising his hand and then imitating Fernández—sparked excitement among the 70,000 fans. The R&A had warned fans about bad behavior after incidents at the Ryder Cup, but Pulcini's gesture only brought positive energy. "I love it," he said. "It's part of the fun."
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Fan Reactions and the R&A Code of Conduct
The R&A's new code of conduct threatens ejection for disruptive behavior, but Pulcini's celebration was met with applause. Some fans booed his name on the first tee, but by the end, they were cheering. Pulcini praised the crowd: "They were cheering for me as well." This contrasts with previous events where fans targeted players like Wyndham Clark.
| Player | Celebration | Fan Reaction | R&A Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mateo Pulcini | Enzo Fernández gesture | Cheers and "Vamos" | No action taken |
| Wyndham Clark | Standard putt | Jeers and abuse | Warnings issued |
Pulcini's Argentine Pride on Display
Pulcini wore the Argentina flag on his driver's head cover, cap, and shoes. He joked with English player Matt Wallace about the World Cup semi-final, saying "I told him we were winning 2-1." When asked about the team's "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" banner, he avoided politics: "I don't want to talk politics, just golf and football."
Key Takeaways from Pulcini's Open Performance
- Pulcini finished his round five over par but remained upbeat.
- His 40-foot putt was a highlight of the first day.
- The celebration blended golf and football fandom.
- Fans respected the R&A code while enjoying the moment.
What This Means for Golf's Fan Culture
Pulcini's experience shows that passionate celebrations can enhance the atmosphere without crossing lines. The R&A's code of conduct aims to prevent abuse, but moments like this prove that fun and respect can coexist. As Pulcini said, "The fans are something spectacular."
FAQ
Who is Mateo Pulcini?
Mateo Pulcini is a 25-year-old Argentine amateur golfer who qualified for The Open by winning the Latin America Amateur Championship in January.
What celebration did Pulcini do at The Open?
After holing a 40-foot putt, Pulcini cupped his hands to his ears, imitating Enzo Fernández's World Cup celebration for Argentina.
Did fans react negatively to Pulcini's celebration?
No, fans cheered and shouted "Vamos." Pulcini said he loved the response and found it part of the fun.
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