Justin Rose Confronted Ryder Cup Heckler Before the Unimaginable Happened

Justin Rose confronted a Ryder Cup heckler before the unimaginable happened in one of the most iconic moments in the competition's history.

Rose is part of the European team that are aiming to become the first away side to win a Ryder Cup since 2012. But they arrive in New York as slight underdogs against an American team who have only lost at home four times in the competition's 98-year history.

For Rose, the tournament at Bethpage Black will mark his seventh Ryder Cup appearance. He has already been part of four winning European sides, including the famous comeback at Medinah in 2012, which is regarded by many fans as one of the greatest moments in sporting history.

The 45-year-old has scored 15.5 points since making his debut back in 2008, making him one of Europe's most reliable performers. Ahead of this year's competition, Rose called for the European squad to remain unified, with the partisan New York crowd expected to create a hostile atmosphere.

The Englishman is used to dealing with American fans, having confronted a heckler back in 2016.

Rose was partnering Henrick Stenson in a practice round against Andy Sullivan and Rory McIlroy, when Sullivan missed a putt. In response, an American supporter shouted: "I could have made that."

The Europeans decided to put him to the test. Rose placed $100 on the green and challenged the fan to sink the put.

To the shock of everyone, he sank it, sparking wild celebrations from the crowd and earning respect from Rose himself.

Rose said: "I thought [the money] might make it a bit more real for him, but clearly not.

"The boys were cupping out, missing it low and this guy just ripped it into the middle. Fair play to him and he celebrated in style.

"It's fun. We are doing what we should be doing out here, having fun. We are preparing, we are focusing, but you have to enjoy it."

But the heckler, later identified as David Johnson, admitted that the putt was not all due to his golfing prowess.

Johnson added: "I closed my eyes, hit the putt and it happened to go in."

This year's Ryder Cup is expected to draw around 50,000 spectators each day to Long Island. Among the crowd will be President Donald Trump, who is a keen golfer himself.

The opening ceremony was staged on Wednesday, brought forward by a day due to forecasts of bad weather.

And on Thursday evening, captains Keegan Bradley and Luke Donald will confirm their line-up choices for the weekend.