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Tensions Flare in Ryder Cup as the U.S. Team Takes a Commanding Lead

HAVEN, Wis. — Golf is a game of decorum.

Except in the Ryder Cup, where some combination of pressure, patriotism and pride routinely leads players to engage in frisky gamesmanship, clash over rulings and stoke or shush fans if it gives them an emotional advantage.

This year’s Ryder Cup, however, was shaping up to be an exception to the usual peevishness. As the midpoint of the three-day event neared on Saturday, the American team was calmly overpowering the European side, whose golfers appeared lifeless and beaten. But that changed in the span of roughly one hour when there were four testy incidents involving players from both teams.