Tommy Fleetwood is on guard against injured Americans as he bids to protect the Ryder Cup, which Europe highlighted two years ago.
Europe hit the US 16.5-11.5 in Rome in 2023, bounced back from their own great losses in previous encounters.
Fleetwood was motivated by his desire to tone the 2021 European record 19-9 defeat in the Whistle Strait. He expects the boots to resemble the other foot of the Bethpage Black this week.
“I don’t think all of us on that team felt that we did justice the way we played and we never really gave them a chance.
“Of course, when you lose it, of course you have a tip on your shoulder.
“I think one of the most motivating things you can have is watching other teams celebrate when you lose.
“It came to Rome and I think it was a very new look for the team – and the crowds of the house, the superiority of the house, and we took it.
The British are playing in their fourth Ryder Cup.
“It was really, really happy to win that. Of course, the American team has a similar kind of sentiment.
“They’ve been hurt since last time, they’ll want to come here, win, stay home, win in front of the crowds of people in their home.
Fleetwood played the lead role in his Ryder Cup debut as Europe won Paris in 2018 and was once again outstanding in Rome.
The 34-year-old Merseysider is currently one of the senior members of the side and boasts an incredible form that won the Big Money Tour Championship as he celebrated his first PGA Tour title last month.
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But from a team’s point of view, he still considers himself in turn with Rory McIlroy (some way below twice as far as Rome’s foursome partner).
Fleetwood said:
“He is one of the best players of our generation.
“I like the energy he has, the way he brings to your team and he brings to the Ryder Cup. I think that’s amazing.
“If I’m one of them who gets the opportunity to play with him, I love that opportunity and every energy he decides to bring, I’m there to support him and be a good partner for him.”