American star fears New York crowd will turn on losing Team USA at the Ryder Cup

Justin Thomas has admitted the New York crowd could turn on his American team if they are losing the Ryder Cup this week. Luke Donald’s European side launched a charm offensive here today (Tues) with the visiting players signing autographs for the home fans.

Rory McIlroy revealed last week they have also prepared for potential fan abuse by wearing virtual reality headsets to simulate potential heckling. But former world No.1 Thomas said Team USA, who will be cheered on by President Trump on the opening day on Friday, risk hearing from the locals if they are not winning back the trophy.

READ MORE: Patrick Cantlay laughs off Ryder Cup hat controversy as US star addresses money issue

READ MORE: Keegan Bradley defends Team USA ahead of controversial Ryder Cup first

“I think it's something that will be unique about New York, maybe versus other home Ryder Cups, is 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,” said the double Major winner.

“I think New York like their championships. They want to win. It's no different for the Ryder Cup. That's what we're going to try to do for them and give them a reason to cheer even more.”

But the American wildcard added: “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 I think when everybody starts really kind of getting a little bit chippy.”

Patrick Cantlay, who is wearing a Team USA hat this week, attempted to defuse the controversy over US players getting paid by announcing he will donate his money to charity.

US stars will all be given a $200,000 stipend for the first time as a $300,000 donation to charity.

“I think one of the great things about these team events for me is there's always such a big charitable component to it, and so I'm going to donate the money to my charity,” said the world No.22.

The American vehemently denied in Rome that he refused to wear a Team USA baseball cap because he was not being paid.

“Like I've said a million times, the hat didn't fit last year, and this year we worked with them to make sure we had one, and we got one, so we're good,” Cantlay said.

Bernhard Langer’s team used a similar PR strategy of engaging with the US fans on Donald’s Ryder Cup debut in 2004.

"We're the visitors," said the European skipper. "We're trying to just be respectful to the crowd and just do whatever we can to be our best selves and play our best golf.

"I'm very lucky as a captain; this isn't a team I've had to really try and form. But I feel like we have a bunch of really solid guys with good values. They're out there to be entertaining. They're out there to play great golf. They understand how important the fans are."