Justin Thomas acknowledged the possibility of the New York crowd turning against the American team if they face defeat in the upcoming Ryder Cup. The European team, led by Luke Donald, made a friendly gesture by signing autographs for the local fans in preparation for the tournament.
Rory McIlroy disclosed that his team had taken measures to anticipate potential fan negativity by using virtual reality headsets to simulate adverse reactions. Despite the support from President Trump on the opening day, Thomas, a two-time Major champion, emphasized the pressure to perform well in New York and meet the high expectations of the local fans.
Thomas highlighted the competitive nature of New York sports fans, emphasizing their desire for victory and the team’s responsibility to deliver a compelling performance. However, he also cautioned against personal attacks, suggesting that criticism should be directed at performance rather than individuals’ loved ones.
In a bid to address concerns about player payments, Patrick Cantlay announced his intention to donate his earnings to charity, following a new stipend allocation for all US players. Cantlay, ranked 22nd in the world, emphasized the charitable aspect of team events and his commitment to contributing to a good cause.
Clarifying previous misconceptions, Cantlay dismissed rumors of refusing to wear the Team USA cap due to financial reasons, stating that the issue was resolved this year. The European team, under Bernhard Langer’s leadership, adopted a similar strategy of engaging with US fans during the Ryder Cup in 2004, aiming to demonstrate respect and uphold sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
Langer emphasized the importance of respecting the home crowd and showcasing the team’s values and dedication to entertaining fans through exceptional golf performances. The European captain praised his team’s cohesion and commitment to delivering a memorable and spirited competition while acknowledging the significant role of the fans in the event.
