BOOS OK FOR STAR AFTER OP ORDEAL

TOMMY FLEETWOOD says the experience of his teenage stepson undergoing spinal surgery last month will put into perspective any abuse he gets at the Ryder Cup this week.

- FROM NEIL MCLEMAN

The Everton fan sealed the winning point for Europe in Rome but remains incredibly popular in the USA.

His first PGA Tour win at the 164th attempt at the Tour Championships last month was greeted with an outpouring of support from American sporting A-listers from Tiger Woods to John McEnroe.

But come the bearpit at Bethpage Black this week, Fleetwood knows his big smile and redemption story will not save him from being another target of heckling and shouts from the crowd.

"It is all part of the week," he laughed. "That's what an away Ryder Cup should be."