Viktor Hovland reveals how he will deal with Ryder Cup hecklers with hilarious quip

Viktor Hovland has opened up on how he'll attempt to block out any potential heckling from home fans at this year's Ryder Cup. Hovland will star for Team Europe at Bethpage Black as they take on Team USA at this year's tournament.

Hovland made his Ryder Cup debut back in 2021 when Team Europe suffered a heavy 19-9 defeat on American soil at Whistling Straits. Two years later, Hovland was part of the team that regained the trophy with a comfortable 16.5-11.5 victory in Rome.

Donald named Hovland in the final pairing for the opening round of foursomes on Friday, where he will team up with Robert MacIntyre. Hovland and McIntyre will go up against Xander Schauffele & Patrick Cantlay for Team USA.

The third match involving Hovland and McIntyre is scheduled to get underway at 12.58pm UK time (7.58am local time). Hours before the pairings were confirmed, Hovland explained how he plans to deal with being heckled by the home fans in New York, should it happen.

"I think you've just got to stick to your game, and if you play well, you know, there's going to be some comments here and there," Hovland told reporters on Thursday. "They won't really come close to the thoughts that I have in my own head.

"So I think I'll just laugh it off for the most part. You know, just try to smile it off and make a few birdies. That usually seems to do the trick."

Hovland will be hoping to secure a point for Europe in the opening round of foursomes on Friday morning in the United States, and it remains to be seen if he will be named in the afternoon fourballs by Donald. The fourballs will be confirmed by the Team Europe captain later in the day, before the foursomes come to an end.

The Friday foursomes will also see Jon Rahm and Tyrell Hatton take on Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas, while Ludvig Aberg and Matt Fitzpatrick will face Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley. The last remaining foursomes match will see Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood face Collin Morikawa and Harris English.