Justin Thomas has acknowledged the potential for the New York crowd to become unsupportive of the American team if they start falling behind in the Ryder Cup this week. The European squad led by Luke Donald engaged in a friendly gesture today by signing autographs for the local fans.
In preparation for possible fan negativity, Rory McIlroy mentioned using virtual reality headsets to simulate heckling situations. Despite the support expected from President Trump on the opening day, Thomas emphasized that Team USA may face criticism from the crowd if they fail to perform well.
Thomas noted the high expectations of New York fans for victory, highlighting the importance of delivering a strong performance to keep them cheering. He also mentioned the potential for fan reactions to turn negative if the team underperforms.
On the controversy surrounding US players receiving payment, Patrick Cantlay clarified that he would donate his stipend to charity, emphasizing the charitable aspect of team events. The decision to donate the stipend aims to contribute to a positive cause amid discussions about player compensation.
Addressing previous speculations, Cantlay denied any reluctance to wear the Team USA baseball cap due to payment issues, stating that logistical concerns were the reason behind the delay. The team’s approach aligns with a past strategy employed by Bernhard Langer’s team during Donald’s Ryder Cup debut in 2004, focusing on engaging with fans and maintaining respect.
European skipper Langer emphasized the importance of respecting the crowd as visitors and striving to showcase the best golf performance. He praised his team’s values and commitment to entertaining the fans while showcasing their golfing skills, recognizing the significance of fan support in the tournament.