Argentine golfer cruelly mocks England at The Open with Fernandez gesture | Football | Sport

Argentina’s Mateo Pulcini rubbed salt in the wounds of England football fans by copying Enzo Fernandez’s celebration after sinking a 40-foot putt for birdie as he finished his firs round at The Open. As the only Argentinian in the field at Royal Birkdale, he received a number of light-hearted boos as he made his way round the course, but had the last laugh on the 18th.

Pulcini laughed off the banter around the course, but had the final say in cupping both hands to his ears, just as Fernandez did for Argentina after scoring a late equaliser against England. Lautaro Martinez scored an injury time winner to break English hearts, booking their place in consecutive World Cup finals, where they’ll face Spain in defence of their title.

Pulcini admitted he watched all of the match and his first thought was to emulate the Fernandez celebration after watching the ball sink into the hole. He said: “I didn’t want to do anything to make fun of the match that you guys lost because the tournament here has been unbelievable. That celebration came from a 40-foot putt. I was pretty excited, and that came to my mind, and I did it.

“I was expecting a few boos on the first tee, and they came, some of them, but there were almost none. I love it. I really don’t mind. It’s part of the fun.

“People were being great. The fans are spectacular. They were cheering for me as well. The score wasn’t good at all, I wasn’t having a good day, but this on 18 made it a little bit better.”

There was further disappointment for England, with Justin Rose struggling, despite being one of the home favourites. He finished his round on 75 with eight bogeys throughout the day, while fellow Englishman Matthew Jordan finished seven-over-par on 77.

Tommy Fleetwood admitted he spent the night at home consoling his young son after England’s World Cup defeat, claiming he was unusually anxious ahead of his one-under-par round of 69. “I was watching the football,” he said. “I was trying to console my son. The football was great to have as something else to think about and watch that.

“But I was pretty nervous, to be honest, on the first tee. First tees don’t bother me that much, but I was nervous today just with the excitement.”

Jon Rahm his hoping he’ll be too occupied winning The Open to watch Spain take on Argentina in the final. He said: “Hopefully I’m teeing off late and I miss it! Hopefully I’m celebrating and I don’t get to watch the game at all.”