Bland Bjorn and Furyk

CAPTAINS Thomas Bjorn and Jim Furyk look to have had a pre-arranged pact not to hype up the Ryder Cup rivalry in any way, judging by how bland they have been in their press conference appearances throughout the week.

Perhaps they are simply both very reserved people who are acting entirely in character, although Dane Bjorn spoke surprisingly passionately about being a European at the opening ceremony.

He showed some humour as well last night when asked what his own plan of action would be today. ‘A salary discussion with Keith Pelley,’ he replied, in reference to Sports Agenda’s revelation that European Tour chief executive Pelley was paid a mind-boggling package of over £2.7m last year. lEUROPEAN

captains seem to have to up their game at every tournament — not necessarily on the course, but in the gifts they give their team at the official gala dinner. Bjorn’s choice was a Bang and Olufsen free-standing wireless speaker with players’ names engraved down the leg of the tripod.