Montgomerie fears hostile Ryder Cup crowd in Chicago

Colin Montgomerie, who is not involved in the European team in an official capacity has expressed concern that the crowd could pose a problem in Chicago this week, leaving many fearing a repeat of Brooklyn 1999.

"There is a risk," Montgomerie said. "I think the world changed. I mean the Ryder Cup and sporting events, when America played internationally, changed since 9/11.

"America realised we were their allies, their great allies, but that was 11 years ago and time moves on. Everything moves on and I have a slight fear that it is going to be very difficult for us Europeans to perform to our potential in a very difficult place to be.

"I think that what you find is that playing away from home in America when they want it [the Ryder Cup] back is a difficult place to have to play golf and I do hope that everyone realises that and allows the Europeans to play to their potential. Unfortunately, on the Sunday of the Ryder Cup in 1999, that wasn't available to us."

"I do hope it doesn't happen but, if it does happen, we've got the best guy in Olazábal to cope with it. He will cope with it in a very professional and I would say diplomatic way.

"I've played four of these Ryder Cups away from home. They are tough; they are harder. He understands that. He's played four away from home as well, so we understand that it's not going to be easy."

VIDEO : Brooklyn 1999 Olazabal v Leonard