Graeme McDowell gave a warning of what Europe’s players can expect when the Ryder Cup starts in sports-mad Chicago on Friday.
And he also gave the broadest of hints as to which eight he thinks will be involved as Jose Maria Olazabal’s side open the defence of the trophy he won so dramatically at Celtic Manor two years ago.
“There’s a world of difference between playing in front of your home fans and playing in front of the US fans,” the Ulsterman said.
McDowell made his debut in the 2008 defeat at Valhalla, but then had compatriot Rory McIlroy as his partner in Wales and is firmly expected to team up with him again this week.
“Putts that drop in front of your home fans are like a bomb going off - and putts that go in this weekend will be like someone’s got the silencer on. It’s like a muted applause.
“I remember Valhalla. The 14th was a very big natural amphitheatre and one of the most intimidating holes as a European.
“You knew when somebody birdied - you could hear it reverberating around the course.
“I think 17 (another par three) is going to have the same effect this week.
“There’s something interesting about missing a putt and having the cheers go up. That’s something we are not used to as golfers, but it’s something you’ve got to accept this week and I’m looking forward to it.”
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