Justin Thomas has warned that the New York crowd could turn on Team USA if they are not winning at the Ryder Cup this week. The two-time Major winner said the home fans expect victory and will be 'upset' if the Americans fall short.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Thomas acknowledged the unique pressure of playing in New York. 'They expect us to play well and they want us to play well, and if we don't, they're going to be upset with us and disappointed with us, and rightfully so,' he said.
The American wildcard added that criticism is deserved if the team underperforms, but warned against targeting players' families. 'If we're not playing well and you're talking trash about us, we probably deserve it. But if you start getting into the loved ones, that's when everybody starts getting a little bit chippy,' Thomas said.
Meanwhile, Patrick Cantlay has moved to defuse the controversy over US players receiving payment by announcing he will donate his $200,000 stipend to charity. Cantlay denied that his refusal to wear a Team USA hat in Rome was related to payment, saying the hat simply did not fit.
European captain Luke Donald has launched a charm offensive, with players signing autographs for home fans. Donald said his team aims to be respectful and entertaining, echoing Bernhard Langer's successful strategy in 2004.
