It's family first for Fleetwood who says boy's op will put any flak from US fans into perspective

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

- 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, Fleetwood knows his big smile and redemption story won't save him from being another target of heckling and shouts from the crowd.

He laughed and said: "It's all part of the week. That's what an away Ryder Cup should be."