Pulcini’s Open gesture sparks crowd reaction at Royal Birkdale

Mateo Pulcini, the 25-year-old 2022 Latin America Amateur champion, drew a distinct reaction from the gallery at Royal Birkdale during the first round of The Open Championship. The Argentine golfer concluded his day with a birdie on the 18th hole, finishing at five-over par, but it was his celebration that dominated the immediate discourse following his round.

Pulcini cupped his ears to mimic the gesture performed by footballer Enzo Fernández after Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England in the World Cup semi-final on the preceding Wednesday. The celebration referenced Fernández’s 85th-minute goal in that match. Pulcini, who had predicted the specific scoreline a day after the football match, explained that the impulse was spontaneous following a difficult shot. "I wasn't going to put football with golf, but then I made a 40 footer so I got excited," he said.

The gesture was not entirely unexpected for the local gallery, who remained sensitive to the recent sporting result. Pulcini noted that friends had urged him to take action if Lionel Messi’s team defeated England, and he had previously joked about walking out to the first tee draped in the Argentine flag. He wore sporting shoes featuring the national flag during his round, further signalling his allegiance.

Upon his arrival for the round, Pulcini was greeted by boos from sections of the crowd still reacting to the World Cup outcome. He acknowledged the hostility but maintained a pragmatic view of the spectacle. "I was expecting a few of them," Pulcini said. "But I love it. I really don't mind. It's part of the fun."

The incident highlights the intersection of international sporting rivalries and professional golf, with Pulcini’s performance at The Open Championship serving as a backdrop for broader geopolitical sporting tensions. While his scorecard showed a challenging start, his engagement with the crowd’s sentiment ensured his round remained a focal point of the event.