Phil Mickelson has called on American fans to go easy on Colin Montgomerie at the Ryder Cup this weekend as upsetting him could make him play better. Montgomerie was fiercely heckled at Brookline in 1999 but went on to produce an inspired display.
"He took a lot of ribbing and was able to perform at the highest level of anybody there," said Mickelson.
"Maybe we shouldn't pee him off and just downplay it a little bit - not agitate him so much."
Montgomerie has an incredible Ryder Cup record and has only lost two of his last 16 matches in the event.
"I don't have any theories as to why other than he's a really good player who is able to bring out his best game at the most critical moments," said Mickelson.
Masters champion Mickelson has played in four Ryder Cups and has claimed nine-and-half points from a possible 16.
MMIX
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