MATTHEW FITZPATRICK believes that the key to Ryder Cup glory is to resist the temptation to 'give American fans a finger' if there's a torrent of abuse from Europe.

Fitzpatrick (27), said that reacting to the taunts was like putting gasoline on a fire.

However, 2018's hero Tommy Fleetwood will take a different approach.

He is content to take the insults and rely on Europe's "family feeling" to get him through.

Half of Padraig Harrington’s team is made up of English golfers, Fitz and Fleetwood being joined by Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter and Paul Casey.

Although they have all been in the same unique atmosphere before, Fleetwood will be making his American debut after making his dream debut with Francesco Molinari, Moliwood partner.

Fitzpatrick is back after admitting that he was overwhelmed by Europe's first Ryder Cup defeat five years ago at Hazeltine 17-11.

He stated, "Listen, you can only do one thing with the crowds: Play well and try to win. It's not worth giving the finger and turning around to them.

"Like boy that's just pouring gasoline onto a fire. It's not as easy as it seems. It's about trying to get rid of all the noise and focusing on your game.

"I have to admit. "I can't remember if we took any stick in 2016, probably not because the Americans were so dominant.

It feels like it was five years ago. It was a baptism of fire.

Fitzpatrick acknowledges that Wisconsin will only have a few European fans. This frustrates him.

He said, "It's quite annoying that the US haven't opened borders for people over, because it's going to be extremely one-sided in terms of crowd support.

"I think there will be very few European supporters. There is no family on our side. Only some expatriates. I find this prospect a little surreal.

"It's a shame and it's really annoying. I was fortunate my parents and my friends came to my first one.

"Victor Hovland is not going to have anyone. That probably impacts the entire experience and how you look back at it.

Fleetwood, 31, spent a week in Paris with European fans as he and Molinari won the four matches. The Southport star then dived into the crowds and led the celebrations after Europe's win was confirmed.

He is aware it will be different this time but insists that he is prepared for it.

He replied, "It'll be chalk and cheese. We had the entire crowd behind us, and I only have one game of it.

"I am very used to having people on my side, even in America, because of the whole Fleetwood Mac’ thing and the nice-natured stuff about ‘when are you going get a haircut?.

"But, you get heckled sometimes. It's something I actually look forward to. It will be another challenge and another experience.

"I have spoken with men like Paul Casey, Lee and Poults and all of them agree that you must embrace.

"You need to enjoy it. That's how you will thrive in that environment.

"I know that they won't mean all of what they say, so I have no hard feelings about whatever they do."

Fleetwood, a diehard Everton fan, says he's certain he'll have heard worse insults at Goodison Park. But none of it was directed at him!

He smiled and said, "Rory McIlroy told you not to take it personally, which I completely agree with. It's possible to go to every football game, and the host team could get worse than what we hear this week.

"You have to see it in context. It's simply that you aren't used to receiving that from crowds in sports like ours.

"But it's another great aspect of the Ryder Cup, at home and abroad.

This event is great for getting golf on the table. Everybody wants to watch the event and the fans play a huge part in that.

The best thing about the Ryder Cup is that you can stand together with your 11 team-mates, captain, vice-captains, and backroom staff. When you are there, you all become one family.

"You all go to battle together, which is bound to make a lot easier to ignore a few insults. This group of guys is really inspiring me.