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Ryder Cup star Justin Thomas welcomed the passion of the notoriously boisterous New York fans ahead of this week’s tournament - but warned that players’ loved ones are off-limits.
Marco Simone set the stage for fiery theatrics in 2023 when Thomas’s compatriot Patrick Cantlay was the European supporters’ victim of choice, finding himself ruthlessly taunted over his refusal to wear a cap.
And this week’s showdown is expected to offer up even more fesity fireworks. That’s if the New York fans get their way.
New York crowds have never shied away from sparking a fiery atmosphere and their reputation for heckling athletes - even their own - has sparked fears for Team Europe.
The wives and girlfriends of Luke Donald’s side were warned to steer clear of Bethpage Black this week by former player Andrew Coltart - lest they find themselves in the firing line of the Big Apple’s ultras.
Thomas, while acknowledging that he and his peers are fair game, warned fans that there is a line that shouldn’t be crossed.
Ryder Cup star Justin Thomas addressed the reputation of the notorious New York crowds
The American, who is playing in his fourth Ryder Cup, is pictured with his wife Jillian
‘Ryder Cup, you kind of know what you're going to get,’ he said in Tuesday’s press conference ahead of his fourth Ryder Cup.
‘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 really kind of getting a little bit chippy.
‘I go back and forth. There's obviously never in any sport a time to get personal or disrespectful, but at the same time it is the Ryder Cup, and it's a home game for a reason. There's been plenty of good, plenty of bad on both ends, and you hope to give them reason to cheer for the good.’
However, Thomas admitted that for better or worse, he’s glad to have the raucous New York crowd in his corner.
‘Something that will be unique about New York maybe versus other home Ryder Cups, if you will, 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,’ he added.
‘I think New York is known as -- they 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.
The European wives and girlfriends have been warned to stay away from Bethpage Black
‘But I've said it all year and all along, I'm happy to have them on my side, that's for sure.’
For their part, the Europeans are already bracing for the abuse that awaits them on the fairways of the famous Long Island course.
European captain Donald has been exploring a variety of techniques to combat the noise that will be hurled their way later this week, including virtual reality headsets to simulate the sights and sounds of the biannual bustup.
On Friday, that preparation will be put to the test.
