‘It’s a huge part of it’ — McGinley hails Europe’s ‘stoic’ stance in the face of fan provocation

‘It’s a huge part of it’ — McGinley hails Europe’s ‘stoic’ stance in the face of fan provocation

Fans on the first hole ahead of the foursomes

Rory McIlroy might have "flipped the bird" at an abusive fan late in the day but Paul McGinley believes Europe's plan to remain "stoic" and resist the temptation to get over emotional paid off big time on the opening day at Bethpage Black.

With Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood playing sensational golf and McIlroy weighing in with a win and a half, Luke Donald's team has left the Americans needing a turnaround not seen since the Battle of Brookline in 1999 to regain the Ryder Cup.

Under the current 28-point format, only Been Crenshaw's team has overcome a 5.5 - 2.5 deficit (or worse) to win, coming back from 6-2 behind at the end of two sessions to t