Luke Donald has suggested that America’s stars could face hostility from their own supporters if they fail to deliver when the Ryder Cup begins at Bethpage Black on Friday.
The European captain believes the notoriously raucous New York crowd may not be quite as one-sided as many expect – especially given the high price of tickets and the controversy surrounding the decision to pay Team USA players £400,000 each to participate.
“That could happen,” Donald told reporters when asked if the US team might face a fan mutiny if they fall behind.
“We all know how high the ticket prices are – close to £600 – and it’s going to be an expensive trip for a family of four.
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"If the US players are getting paid a stipend, or whatever it is, and they aren't performing, the New Yorkers could make them know about it.”
His comments add further spice to a contest already braced for one of the most hostile atmospheres in Ryder Cup history.
Donald has spent months preparing his European side to handle the noise, even supplying players with virtual reality headsets to simulate heckling and abuse.
But he believes the weight of expectation on the American team could work in Europe’s favour if the contest turns.
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“I wanted to get ahead of this when I first heard about [the payments] last year,” Donald explained.
“I reached out to all 12 guys from Rome and everyone was like, ‘We haven’t even considered playing for money for that event.’
“It speaks to what the Ryder Cup means to these guys. Those weeks are the best weeks – there’s so much more to them.
“We certainly don’t need monetary rewards to get us up for it.”
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Donald’s task is daunting: only Tony Jacklin has ever guided Europe to victory both home and away.
To prepare, the Englishman has made three visits to Bethpage in the last year and even consulted England rugby captain Owen Farrell about building team culture.
“I talked to him a little bit about the rituals they do with the shirts,” Donald said.
“He’s aware of his number, his number for the Lions – things like that are interesting to me, understanding your place in history.
“We’ll do that again. In those team environments, they celebrate the opportunity they have and the chance to pass it on to the next players. It’s very similar to the Ryder Cup.”
Donald expects an intense environment, and says his team will be ready.
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“Talking to Owen, he likes the noise,” he added.
“When it’s quiet, it’s tough. Golf is a little different – we’re not used to abusive remarks – but hopefully the guys will be ready for that.”
While Donald has not confirmed if this will be his last Ryder Cup as captain, he made clear his focus is firmly on making history at Bethpage.
“I’m just trying to get through this one,” he said.
“Hopefully we can create something special.
“I haven’t given any thought to doing it again – and I’m sure there are others just as deserving to be a captain after me.”