Andy Sullivan ready for hostile American fans in Ryder Cup debut
Monday 22 August 2016 14:24, UK
Andy Sullivan says he is ready for a hostile home crowd when he makes his Ryder Cup debut next month as Europe defend their title in the United States.
The Englishman was confirmed as the last of the nine qualifiers on Sunday when results at the Czech Masters went his way.
Belgium's Thomas Pieters had to defend his title and Irishman Shane Lowry needed a top-four finish to stay in contention but neither got the outcome they needed.
That means Sullivan is one of at least five debutants who will play for Darren Clarke's team at Hazeltine - and he is adamant he will not be overawed.
The 30-year-old told Good Morning Sports Fans on Sky Sports News HQ: "It's a bit surreal after working so hard for a year to get in this team.
"Now I can let my emotions go and actually think about being in that team. It's amazing. I don't think it's quite sunk in yet but I've got four weeks to let it sink in and get my head around it.
"I feel like it's one of those events where you can let your emotions go a little bit more and show a bit more to the fans and the crowd. I'm really looking forward to that. Going to America, I know it's going to be quite a hostile atmosphere.
"I know the Americans aren't going to let us have it all our own way so I'm quite looking forward to going there and trying to upset the apple cart."
Europe will bid to win a fourth consecutive title for the first time in Minnesota from September 30 to October 2, with the tournament being shown live on Sky Sports.
Joining Sullivan in the side will be a number of established Ryder Cup players, including Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose.
Rose is still on a high after his win on golf's return to the Olympics in Rio and Sullivan hopes he can inspire others to do the same.
He added: "To see Justin go out there, I think he was very motivated to win that gold medal. Even way before, he talked about it quite a lot.
"To see him go out there and achieve it when he wanted it that badly was an absolutely fantastic achievement.
"I think it's great golf is included in the Olympics and hopefully it's going to grow from there and people will want to participate even more in the future."
