Justin Thomas acknowledged the possibility of the New York crowd turning against the American team if they start losing the Ryder Cup this week. European captain Luke Donald’s team engaged in a friendly gesture by signing autographs for the home fans in preparation for the event.
Ahead of the competition, Rory McIlroy disclosed that they have been using virtual reality headsets to simulate potential heckling from fans. Thomas, a former world No. 1 and two-time Major winner, emphasized the unique pressure of playing in New York, where the fans expect and demand top performance from their team.
Highlighting New York’s passion for winning championships, Thomas emphasized the importance of delivering a strong performance to keep the local crowd cheering. However, he cautioned that criticism from fans is warranted if the team underperforms but urged against disrespectful behavior towards players’ families.
In a bid to address controversies surrounding player payments, Patrick Cantlay, a member of Team USA, announced plans to donate his earnings to charity. All US players will receive a $200,000 stipend, with an additional $300,000 donated to charity for the first time.
Cantlay clarified previous speculations about refusing to wear a Team USA cap due to payment issues, stating that the matter had been resolved. Reflecting on the charitable aspect of team events, he expressed his commitment to donating his earnings for a good cause.
The European team, led by Bernhard Langer, adopted a similar public relations approach by engaging with US fans during Donald’s Ryder Cup debut in 2004. Langer emphasized the importance of respect towards the crowd and highlighted the team’s focus on delivering entertaining and high-quality golf.
Overall, both teams are preparing for an intense competition while emphasizing the significance of fan support and sportsmanship in the Ryder Cup.