US team captain Steve Stricker has ruled out any of his players taking a knee in protest at golf's Presidents Cup in New Jersey this week.
Much to President Donald Trump's frequently tweeted displeasure, NFL players have been using that gesture during the pre-match anthem to protest the treatment of African-Americans by US police.
Many wondered if it could also happen at golf's biennial Presidents Cup teams event, when the US plays the Internationals this week.
It would certainly have caused a furore, especially with President Trump so closely linked to golf through his ownership of plush resorts and frequent golf breaks. He is also an honourary chairman of the 2017 Presidents Cup.
On Friday, Trump called for a ban on any NFL player who protested during the anthem, calling them a "son of a bitch".
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Stricker said his 12 American players would "respect the flag", while Internationals team assistant captain Tony Johnstone had already ruled out any such protest, saying it has "bugger all to do with us" .
"We've had a discussion already and none of my players want to do that (protest)," Stricker said.
"We are going to do what we always do; take off our hat and put our hands across our chest and over our heart and respect the flag."
American veteran Phil Mickelson, the only golfer to appear in every edition of the Presidents Cup since its inception in 1994, was diplomatic when asked if he supported NFL player protests.
"We have social injustices in this country and we should all strive to eliminate them," said Mickelson, a five-time major winner.
"We've made great strides over the years but we've got a ways to go, and we should all strive to eliminate those.
"But this week, I'm so proud to represent the United States, to play for my country, to play for my team mates and participate in this great event."
Honourary chairman is a role typically given to sitting or former presidents of the Presidents Cup's host country, but it is unknown whether Trump will make an appearance at Liberty National - minutes from his spiritual home of New York City.
