Europeans driven by Cup defeat

WORLD No.1 Justin Rose believes the pain of losing the Ryder Cup has made Europe’s players hungry to regain the trophy in Paris next week.

Seeking an unprecedented fourth straight victory in the biennial competition in 2016, Europe were beaten 17-11 at Hazeltine and go into this year’s contest as 6/4 underdogs, despite enjoying home advantage and vast experience of Le Golf National, venue for the European Tour’s French Open.

“Home support is really important, I think that was a big difference at Hazeltine,” Rose said. “The Americans wanted it really badly and the crowd were right behind them. We want it back badly now. Losing it has made us all more hungry again, no doubt about it.”

Speaking ahead of this week’s Tour Championship, where he could win the FedEx Cup title and a £7.6 million bonus, Rose added: “Europe was on a great run for a number of years but losing it really really hurt so I think we’re all going to be really determined.

“On paper I think the Americans are even stronger than they may have been in 2016. They are a great team, but we’re even stronger too and up for a challenge, for sure.”

Tiger Woods also believes the two sides are evenly matched as he prepares to play the Ryder Cup for the first time since 2012, when he earned just half a point from four matches as Europe recovered from 10-6 down in the “Miracle at Medinah”.

“I think the European side is one of the best they’ve ever had,” he said. “Yeah, we have a solid team but so do the Europeans.

“It plays out over three days and it’s about playing well at the right time, partnering up at the right time and making putts.

“I think both teams are very deep this year going into the event so I think it’s going to be a lot of fun for both sides.”