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This year the Ryder Cup bosses are hoping to put a stop to the insults and heckling of the past.

Memories of 1999 conjure up images of the US Team running on to the green to celebrate a putt that Justin Leonard sunk but Jose Maria Olazabal hadn't even finished the hole yet.

If there is some small defence for the Americans, it's that they were feeding off the crowd.

It was a low point in Ryder Cup history described by Colin Montgomerie in his autobiography as "not far removed from mass hysteria".

That's all in the past but steps have been taken to see that this bad memory is not repeated.

Tournament Director Andy Odenbach told the BBC Sport : "Rowdy fans are a good thing as long as they aren't disrespectful."

Former Ryder Cup Captain Mark James has said the 2004 event could see a repeat of what happened in 1999.

"I don't think the lessons have been learnt and I have my concerns," he said.

The organisers of the event have said a maximum of 40,000 people will be admitted into Oakland Hills each day.

There will be 1600 marshals, 100 uniformed police and an undisclosed number of plainclothes police and FBI Officers mingling with the crowd to safeguard players.

Strict alcohol rules will limit fans from drinking everywhere.

"The South golf course is to all intents and purposes a dry area," said Odenbach.

"We've also taken great lengths to educate spectators in what is proper fan behaviour and improper fan behaviour, and the role of sportsmanship in the Ryder Cup.

"Marshals will identify those that may have crossed the line and then paid security in addition to the police and FBI will handle the situation."

Odenbach has been at Oakland Hills planning the event since 2001.

They have also published a spectator guide in the programme and on the official website.

It states:

"The 35th Ryder Cup matches are a renewal of golf's most spirited competition and the tradition of sportsmanship and respect among teams, match officials and the gallery. Anyone who crosses the line will be evicted "

"Players and spectators alike are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which respects this tradition throughout Ryder Cup week.

"Applause and cheering by spectators should show encouragement and support of all players.

"Booing or jeering is inappropriate and spectators who breach this conduct by directing profanity or insult towards a player or official at any time, or who act in an inappropriate or unethical manner are subject to immediate removal from the crowd."

The rules and regulations seem to be in place but controlling a whipped up crowd is a different story and only time will tell. 

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