Shameful scenes marred the 1999 Ryder Cup when a spectator spat at the wife of captain Mark James.The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts hosted the 33rd edition of the prestigious tournament that was established 72 years prior.Victory for the United States didn’t come without its crowd controversyAFPDubbed as the ‘Battle of Brookline’, the United States won 14.5-13.5 on home soil to claim their sixth title against Europe.The victory marked an impressive comeback as the hosts were trailing 10-6 at the end of the afternoon four-ball matches on the Saturday.Team USA won eight of the 12 singles battles on the final day, with Justin Leonard vs Jose Maria Olazabal ending in controversy.Leonard birdied the 17th to spark wild celebrations from his teammates, who ran onto the green while Olazabal waited to putt.Europe were angered by the disruption from their opponents, with the match eventually being halved on the 18th.An air of tension from a lack of sportsmanship was made worse in the fallout when Europe captain James reflected on the crowd’s actions.Astonishing ‘spit’ complaint from the James’Speaking via the BBC, he said: “The depravity of some of the insults from the crowd had to be heard to be believed.“My wife was spat at and Andrew Coltart was misdirected in the search of a ball.”James’ wife Jane confirmed the incident and, as quoted by ESPN, said: “It was just awful.“A kid spat at me and there were lots of incidents of people telling us to go home. I would hate it if we allowed ourselves to descend to their level when the match goes to the Belfry [Golf Course].”United States celebrations from Leonard’s putt stirred the hostilityGettyJames was left fuming with the actions of those watching on in BrooklineGettyJames further bemoaned the scenes as he added: “I don’t care that we lost.“I’m quite prepared to lose and I wouldn’t dream of suggesting that the result of the match was affected, I just don’t like seeing golf dragged into the gutter by a crowd like that one.“And I don’t like seeing a crowd incited by players either. You get sent off in football for that, and I don’t think it should happen in golf. “It was just sickening the level to which the crowd stooped, and players, officials, caddies, even the marshals were whipping them up.”James even suggested the removal of alcohol and increased security having been left irritated by the crowd.“I’d like to see alcohol banned from public areas,” he explained.“I think inciting the crowd should be an offence that could be penalised with loss of hole and there should be strict warnings to everyone else inside the ropes about their behaviour.“And there should be more security in the crowd. Golf shouldn’t be played under those circumstances. “We pride ourselves in Europe on the way the game is played and the standard of etiquette and sportsmanship.”In another complaint of spectator behaviour, James even hinted that some Europe players would pass on a Ryder Cup experience stateside.“A lot of players will not be bothered competing in America again,” he told the British press.“Certainly that is the case with me. It’s not something I would look forward to. We don’t need to be treated like this.”James put future participation from European players in doubt after the tournamentGettyThe Ryder Cup returned in 2002, with the initial 2001 tournament deferred due to the September 11 terrorist attacks.Europe were playing at home on this occasion, with a 15.5-12.5 victory at the Belfry ensuring they won three of the past four titles.It was also the beginning of a hat-trick of tournament wins as their Ryder Cup dominance began to take shape.Since the formation of a European team in 1979, they have won 12 of the 22 editions.Europe return this year as reigning champions with a dominant 16.5-11.5 win at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in 2023.The 45th edition of the Ryder Cup will commence on September 26, with Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York the host courseAnd many expect Europe to receive yet another hostile reception.