Argentine Amateur Pulcini Mimics Enzo Celebration at Open

Argentine amateur golfer Mateo Pulcini playfully invoked his nation's recent football triumph over England during the first round of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Pulcini, the only Argentinian in the field, celebrated a 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole by cupping his hands to his ears, mimicking the celebration of Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

The gesture came less than 24 hours after Argentina defeated England 2-1 in a World Cup semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15. Fernandez had scored a crucial equalizer in that match before Lautaro Martinez netted a late winner. Pulcini, a 25-year-old making his Open debut, said he watched the entire game and the celebration came to mind instantly when his long putt dropped. He finished his round with a five-over-par 75.

Before his round, Pulcini received some lighthearted boos from spectators on the first tee, a reaction he said he expected and took in good spirit. He emphasized that his celebration was not meant to mock England's loss but was a spontaneous expression of excitement. The fans at the 18th green responded with applause. Pulcini described the spectators as spectacular and...