The behaviour towards the European team during this week’s practice rounds, held in a family-friendly atmosphere, has been largely respectful and adulating.
Children under 15 have been given free admission when accompanied by an adult paying for a $255 (£190) ticket.
The convivial atmosphere led to American player Collin Morikawa describing the lead-up as being “tame” and expressing the hope that “Friday is just absolute chaos” from the home fans.
After Europe’s heavy defeat in 2021 at Whistling Straits, Ireland’s Shane Lowry said his wife received “dog’s abuse” from American fans.
But, like Fitzpatrick and in keeping with the European team’s careful PR approach, Lowry attempted to avoid any incendiary comments on Thursday.
“That was my first Ryder Cup experience, and obviously my first away one, so it was unexpected going over there,” said the 2019 Open champion.
“But when you’re ready for something, it’s never as bad. I think the New York fans have been great this week so far.
“Obviously it’s practice days and it’s a little bit more lighthearted. It is what it is. I’m pretty sure [the 2023 Ryder Cup in] Rome wasn’t much fun for the Americans, either.
“You have to be yourself, do your own thing, try and use it as best you can. You allow it to help you as opposed to let it hinder you.
“I think we are all ready for it and we are all mentally prepared for it. We’ll see.”
When the action starts for real on Friday, there is expected to be a clear shift in the attitude of the American fans towards the visitors.
“We’re not going to attack the Europeans today – let’s wait for Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” Sean Mateiko, a Long Islander attending Wednesday’s practice day with his two children, told BBC Sport.
Other partisan home fans have told us the Europeans need to have “some thick skin” because Americans are “not going to hold back”.
But another female fan, who arrived on Thursday dressed as the Statue of Liberty, added: “I wouldn’t be afraid because New Yorkers, as much as we are rowdy and boisterous, we are respectful.”
