DISUNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Donald reckons Yank fans could clash with Team USA over cash and calls on Europe to do something amazing

- NEIL MCLEMAN

EUROPE captain Luke Donald has fired the first shot in the Ryder Cup war of words by claiming the US crowd could turn on their own team over money at Bethpage Black.

American stars will be paid a 'stipend' of $200,000 for the first time - Team Europe are playing for nothing, - while tickets are costing a staggering $750 each.

Asked if the two factors could combine to incite the home crowd if Team USA are losing, Donald said: "That could happen.

"We all know how high the ticket prices are and it's going to be an expensive trip out for a family of four.

"If the U.S. players are getting paid a stipend, or whatever it is, and they aren't performing, the New Yorkers could make them know about it."

Donald came out against Team Europe getting paid before winning back the trophy in Rome - and he is backed by his players.

"It speaks to what the Ryder Cup means to these guys," he said. "A couple hundred thousand dollars to these guys isn't a lot of money in the grand scheme of things.