iStock/Thinkstock(CHASKA, Minn.) — One of the most famous contests in golf saw one of the most impressive displays on a green in Ryder Cup history, and it didn’t even come from one of the players.
David Johnson, a spectator during the practice round on Thursday at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota, watched Team Europe’s Rory McIlroy and teammate Andy Sullivan as they tried and failed repeatedly to sink their putts.
Johnson yelled from the crowd behind the ropes of the eighth green that he could make the 12-footer.
In general, pros tune out boasts from hecklers and play on, but when teammate Henrik Stenson heard the heckler bragging about his own short game, he made Johnson put his money where his mouth was — literally.
Justin Rose laid down a $100 bill on the grass next to the ball, about 12-feet from the hole. Johnson settled his stance, looked over the ball, gave it a firm tap and sunk the putt.
The North Dakota native threw his hands up in celebration as the crowd erupted and all four of the Team Europe players shared congratulatory high fives and hugs.
Has the @rydercup started already?????????????????? pic.twitter.com/s6EImcbnZv
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) September 29, 2016
“It was one of those roars,” Johnson told ABC News. “I compare it to the movie Tin Cup. If you remember, at the end of Tin Cup, when he scores a 13 on the final hole and everyone just goes nuts and that’s kinda what it reminded me of.”
He added: “I just soaked it in and enjoyed every minute of it.”
The players on the green signed the winning golf ball. As for the $100 bill, Johnson said he is going to frame it and hang it in his office.
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