Golf fan Colonel Sanders aka John Burleigh went viral at the Ryder Cup 2023
As Team Europe celebrated their impressive victory over Team USA at the Ryder Cup by indulging in some spirited revelry, one enthusiastic fan of Luke Donaldโs team made a memorable splash by plunging into a lake.
Donaldโs squad successfully avenged their significant 19-9 loss in the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, triumphing with a score of 16.5-11.5 in the 44th edition of this esteemed competition held at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy.
Who is golf fan Colonel Sanders aka John Burleigh who leaped into lake during Ryder Cup 2023
Canโt get enough of this ๐๐
Colonel Sanders absolutely going for it #KFC #RyderCuppic.twitter.com/TwBmp4bz2E— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) October 1, 2023
Team Europe established dominance from the outset, and though there was a brief resurgence from Team USA at the end of day two, Europe comfortably sealed the deal on Sunday.
While footage from Team Europeโs celebrations captured moments like Rory McIlroy and Tyrell Hatton downing beers from the Ryder Cup, one of the most memorable celebrations came from a 70-year-old Scottish golf enthusiast named John Burleigh. He went viral on social media after he leaped into the lake on the 16th hole at Marco Simone to celebrate Europeโs victory.
Who’s Colonel Sandersย
This daring move earned him the playful nickname โColonel Sanders.โ After Tommy Fleetwood secured a crucial half-point to secure Europeโs Ryder Cup triumph, Burleigh, hailing from Greenock, Inverclyde, sprinted toward the lake and took the plunge.
Speaking about his impromptu dive, Burleigh told BBC Scotland in an interview that, โThe sun got to me, and I was overcome with excitement. The weather had been scorching, but the camaraderie and company had been fantastic. I had a feeling it would end at the 16th. When the American conceded right in front of me, I just couldnโt resist.โ
After emerging from the water, he received cheers from the crowd, encouraging him to repeat the feat. Jumping into a lake at such a prestigious golf event might lead to trouble, but not for Burleigh. He mentioned that he had a brief conversation with a police officer afterward but was let off without any consequences.
In good spirits, the 70-year-old hopes that KFC might reach out to offer him some food, given his newfound social media fame and his playful nickname. He added, โPeople who were heading home showed me footage and referred to me as a legend. It was all in good fun and done with the best intentions. It could have been worse; someone called me an โold guy,โ but I took it in stride. As long as KFC gives me a call with an offer, Iโll be quite content.โ
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