Newly-appointed US Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson has admitted that he expects a partisan atmosphere at Gleneagles, despite him being one of golf's most popular icons.
The 63-year-old was this morning confirmed as the successor to Davis Love III, whose team lost an epic encounter at Medinah in September.
Watson won four of his five Open Championships on Scottish soil, which has helped him to build a loyal following on British shores.
However, the eight-time Major winner does not believe that sentiment will sway support in favour of his team in 2014.
"The players who've played in the Ryder Cup matches understand the deal," he told reporters. "The deal is that it's a very personal crowd.
"Normal crowds will applaud a good shot, but when you're playing in Ryder Cup, you're either Euro or for the USA.
"[The crowd aren't] cheering for a bad shot, you're cheering because they missed. The players understand that. And that's not a bad thing."
As he addressed the press conference, Watson stated: "I've been waiting for this call for a long, long time.
"This responsibility is a challenge, but I've been there before."
Watson was a victorious captain at The Belfry in 1993.
Michael Penkman
