DEREK LAWRENSON

A cleAr sign the ryder cup is nearly upon us came in Atlanta at the weekend when Patrick reed signed autographs — and then put captain America underneath his name.

Yes, the man who ‘shushed’ the galleries at Gleneagles in 2014 and silenced rory McIlroy at Hazeltine last time is relishing the prospect of leading his nation once more.

Ask him if he’d like to play McIlroy in the singles again, and a broad smile spreads across his face. ‘Of course, I’m leading 1-0, aren’t I?’

Mention the prospect of playing Ian Poulter and he replies: ‘I couldn’t imagine anything better. You always want to go up against the best.’

reed has even got something up his sleeve to tease the galleries again but