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Watch the Birdie

Iain Carter | 18:05 UK time, Tuesday, 16 September 2008

It was a bit like the aftermath of a when the photographer takes centre stage. It's not about the bride and groom it's all about the snapper - and so it has to be to get the best pictures.

The boys and girls armed with cameras set the early European agenda on the first morning of practice here at .

The players looked in great spirits as they assembled . They'd already had a team get-together on the first tee - almost a group hug affair, an exercise in team bonding at sunrise.

Within moments though, they were reaching for their waterproof suits. This was for the first pictures and hopefully it'll be the last time there's any need for such attire.

teameurope438.jpgOff came the jackets and trousers for the next set and closer examination of the sweaters revealed some kind of vertical logo in the bottom right corner.

It looked as though they had forgotten to remove that Sellotape strip you get on new clothes.

Not that Henrik Stenson minded as he was more interested in placing the lid of the (the bit with the statue of Abe Mitchell on it) on to the top of Ian Poulter's head.

Quickly the boys were called back to order and their entourage of physios were invited to join the line-up.

Then the caddies brought over each player's golf bag bedecked in European blue and yellow. It was striking, the absence of commercialism - not a golfing brand in sight.

The cameras clicked and then the head snapper called a halt. A player's watch was visible - this breached rules on advertising and all the players had to pull down their sleeves before the shutters could start snapping again.

Then the caddies (playing the role of ushers) were brought in for their moment in front of the lenses. Their uniform was sleeveless grey pullovers and black, pleated shorts. They looked ready for the .

As soon as those pictures were snapped, was at it again. A little nudge to the kneeling Gareth Lord and Robert Karlsson's bagman was tumbling onto the dewy turf.

At last the pics were done and it was off to the small, intimate practice range. This involved a stroll past the putting green where was grinding away and on to the range where Hunter Mahan was the lone American pounding balls.

Lee Westwood was quick to punctuate the journey to sign autographs, skipper Nick Faldo followed suit - the crowds seemed grateful and the charm offensive is underway.

The US players, meanwhile, are fresh from their visit to the and even though the great man wasn't there, they were all "inspired".

Europe will be paying a visit tonight.

Ryder Cup week at Valhalla is underway.......

Comments

  • Comment number 1.

    Can I just say IC I'm actually now excited. I'm really excited and just want to get through the week to start watching it on Friday morning.

    I love beating the yanks, but I'm disappointed that Monty isn't there. Any thoughts?

  • Comment number 2.

    Not much mention of Monty over here at the mo, but I'm sure his name will pop up before too long...

    To be honest, there hasn't been all that much talk about Tiger either, which is quite refreshing.

  • Comment number 3.

    I worry for the Europeans this week.

    Faldo so far has not made many right moves.


    Seeing the photos of the team being led around by Faldo, Casey and Poulter seems just plain wrong to me.

    It seems certain that Faldo will pair these two guys together for the week and this could be a disaster. It'sthe first time I can remember such bad wildcard picks.

    With all the talk of missing Tiger effecting the yanks, I think the loss of Luke Donald (Garcia's right hand man) and the non-inclusion of Monty and Clarke will have a greater bearing on the result.

    The only thing in our favour is the inexperience of the yanks (Azinger can't pick wiildcards either) and the fact that Garcia, Harrington, Jiminez and Justin Rose are on our side.

    The Europeans should win - but if the captain continues to make the wrong moves anything could happen.

  • Comment number 4.

    As a Scot I'm hardly one to defend 2 English wildcard picks but I really don't see what the fuss is. Faldo picked the 2 best Europeans available (as judged by world rankings). Any other criteria is purely subjective and with Monty or Clarke based on performance 2 years or more ago and probably more emotion.

    Faldo doesn't do emotion but he did do winning very well. I'm sure he will again and if not it won't be down to the wildcards.

  • Comment number 5.

    Faldo appears to have that Australian mentality of winning is paramount. Emotion doesn't come into the equation, there's a lot to be said of that thick skinned, hard nosed mentality, and in my opinion quite rightly so. Traditionally, we Brits haven't ever done it that well at world class sporting events. I might be wrong but Faldo might surprise a few people. Certainly the wild card selections raised an eyebrow or two. Give it a week and feel free to pick the bones out of my opinion. Best of luck Yanks, Faldo and all concerned. Let's hope the whole thing is played in the right spirit, free of any invective and controversy.

  • Comment number 6.

    I completely agree that there should the strongest team possible in Europe and whether it is the selction of Poults over Clarke or the fact that there is only one vice captain I am beginning to wonder if this is the US v team Faldo. Listening to all the interviews from Faldo it seems less about the team and more about him. As the old saying goes there is no I in team, but there certainly is in Nick! I just hope that this is not how the event continues as the legendary 13th man for Europe could easily be stamped on by the over-inflated ego of Faldo.

  • Comment number 7.

    Reason why Nick is at the forefront of the media is to take away any pressure and media spotlight from his own players. (Similar to what Jose Mourinho did at Chelsea). He is best to deal with the american media as he has being working for them over the past few years. We are always quick to dismiss someone before they even have a chance to prove themselves.

    Either way this years Ryder cup is going to be very close. Can't wait.

  • Comment number 8.

    somehow its not the same with Faldo in charge I wish the team well but I do have my own thoughts on that man. As a scot i have never liked Faldo and having had to listen to some of the drivel he talks as a commentator he is just not Captain material. I believe we are in for a big disapointment from him.

  • Comment number 9.

    Faldo will do a good job. You can see from the demeanour of the players already that they are content and it is clear the Faldo has his gameplan already cleared up in his head. I didn't like the decision to take Poulter ahead of Clarke any more than the next man, but the fact remains, you'd take Poulter over any of the wild cards which Azinger selected wouldn't you? Maybe not Steve Stricker, but even that's a close call.

    Faldo seems to be doing and saying the right things to me. He's an arrogant son of a gun, but that confidence will pass on to the players. Getting all the players out on the first day is the right call, even if we're not leading after it, no one is left feeling totally out if the picture. To me, Faldo looks a born leader, and I'm confident he'll lead the boys to victory.

  • Comment number 10.

    I would like to think that Nick Faldo has done his homework on his opponents as he certainly has had the opportunity,seeing them week in week out in his TV role. I hope he puts his strongest and experienced pairings out first on the opening day as they should be able to handle the cauldron of home fans whooping and a hollering . I also believe the young bucks of the US team will be tested in terms of expectation and pressure. No doubt, the pressure will also affect our guys but this is where Westwood, Harrington, Garcia and Jiminez step in and give advice and support. Faldo and Olly can't be everywhere on the course and that again is all about the team supporting one another. This will be close and it will rely on the guys with the experience to ignore the crowds,the lucky breaks of your opponent and focus on their own game, sounds easy but can you imagine standing on that first tee. I will be nervous just watching . Good luck

  • Comment number 11.

    Coverage on the course by the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ radio was outstanding Friday and Saturday. Much better than NBC by far. I was on the grounds at Valhalla both days and listened to your broadcast 95% of the time. Excellent work!!!. We have enjoyed tipping a few with your fellow countrymen this week and hope that all who have come to Louisville have enjoyed themselves.

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