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Paige Spiranac calls for Ryder Cup rule change after her 'good vibes' fail to inspire Team USA

The atmosphere at the Ryder Cup has been the subject of much discussion, and Paige Spiranac thinks she knows how to gee up the crowd following a subdued start to the tournament

[Paige Spiranac poses on the red carpet]

Paige Spiranac isn't happy with what she's seen at the Ryder Cup(Image: Arturo Holmes/WireImage)

Former professional golfer Paige Spiranac has urged the Ryder Cup to introduce a mobile phone ban amid concerns about the lacklustre atmosphere at Bethpage Black.

Team Europe has stormed ahead at the Ryder Cup, holding a commanding seven-point advantage over Team USA following Saturday's afternoon session. The home crowd have thus far failed to give the Americans much of a boost, despite huge numbers descending on Farmingdale, New York for the event.

Predictably, tensions have flared between European and American supporters, with Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry both clashing with spectators in response to insulting chants and comments. But, friction aside, the atmosphere has been fairly subdued.

This is despite the fact Spiranac tried to gee up the American crowd by posting a photo of herself in a USA-themed bikini. Captioning the post, she wrote: "USA needs some good vibes heading their way. Just doing what I can. Go USA."

Never one to quit, Spiranac then suggested that the Ryder Cup should copy Augusta National's approach and outlawing phones on the course. The Masters still follows a strict no-phones policy, with all cell phones and other electronic devices prohibited on the grounds during the tournament.

Whilst there's no concrete proof that mobile phones have dampened crowd noise and engagement, it's reasonable to argue that these gadgets could prove distracting. "I think the Ryder Cup should pull an Augusta no phones rule. The energy would be all time," Spiranac said on X.

American supporters bellowed enthusiastically at the beginning of both days, with Bryson DeChambeau whipping up the crowd from the opening tee. US fans have also been heckling McIlroy, who's viewed by the home crowd as Europe's main threat.

Nevertheless, the volume levels have been patchy, potentially down to the on-course results. Team USA suffered embarrassment in the first session as Team Europe triumphed 3-1, before also surrendering the afternoon session.

It was deja vu on Saturday, as Team Europe secured back-to-back 3-1 victories in the morning foursomes and afternoon four-ball matches. Europe are now on the brink of clinching the title and defending the crown they won two years ago in Rome. Victory will see them become the first team to defend the Ryder Cup since 2014.

Team USA must now win 10 points from a possible 12 on Sunday to wrestle the title back - a feat that looks highly unlikely if the first two days are anything to go by. If they're to stand any chance, they'll need the home crowd to be in fine fettle, but after facing ridicule from European fans over their volume (or lack thereof), that might be easier said than done.

[The crowds at the Ryder Cup ]

The crowds at the Ryder Cup haven't been as loud as expected(Image: David Cannon/Getty Images)

Tapping into their football heritage, the Europeans were heard chanting, "Is this a library?" in reference to how quiet the Americans had become.

Lowry recognised the chants, commenting on Friday: "Yeah, I thought they were pretty good last night at the Opening Ceremony to be honest.

"They were pretty loud. I was pretty happy with that. They are good fun. There are some great songs. I think there's going to be - you know, there's a lot of Irish people and there's a lot of European people that live in and around New York, and I'm pretty sure there's going to be quite a few Europeans here this week, which hopefully they can be as loud as they can.

"Hopefully we can give them something to cheer about. That's the thing. If we play good golf, the American crowd will be quiet; the European crowd will be loud. So it's up to us to do that."

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