LE GOLF NATIONAL, PARIS STRIPES AND

way. They bring a lot of intangibles. And for them to be here, we are in a position with a chance to do something special. Tiger and Phil have never won over here – I know that would maybe help cap off a missing piece in their careers.”

It was a theme that ran through the American build-up as they look for that first win in Europe since 1993. The picture for Thomas Bjorn’s team is broader. A loss here would mean back-to-back defeats for the first time since 1991 and that loss, two years later, at The Belfry. The wealth of young talent that makes America favourite for this showdown could threaten an era of domination.

That favouritism does not take any heat off the Europeans. Jim Furyk’s team might well boast nine players good enough to have won Majors, and is certainly the stronger line-up on paper, but Bjorn has been able to set up Le Golf National to suit his players.

Of the 60,000 who will pack the grandstands and cover the mounds of this magnificent course, most will be cheering the Europeans. And in the likes of Mcilroy and Justin Rose, Europe has its own bona fide megastars, capable of truly inspirational deeds.

But Tiger’s re-emergence as a leader has just made this Ryder Cup an even more mouth-watering prospect than the sport-loving world thought possible.

It will not be a case of take Tiger down and take the American team down – but it would go a long way towards Europe reclaiming the trophy after what will surely be one of the sporting events of the year.

LOOKS LIKE TIGERMANIA Packed galleries followed Woods around Le Golf National yesterday and Patrick Reed, as Bjorn bloods four rookies in the morning fourballs.The USA have not won in Europe since 1993, but are the holders and were in high spirits yesterday, with Justin Thomas covering Woods’ bald patch with a piece of artificial turf as they played the 10th hole.Bjorn said: “Before sending them out, I will tell my team this is an opportunity to stand up and follow in the footsteps of all the great players of this continent.“Some of them have a longstanding Ryder Cup career and some of them are just setting out on a new chapter in their lives. But for all of them, it’s an opportunity to add to what their golf career is about.“Legends are made in this event. It’s an opportunity to go out there and be the best that you can be on a grand stage.”US captain Jim Furyk(above) has split up the successful pairing of Jordan Spieth and Reed to pair ‘Captain America’ with Woods.“We had one very good pairing,” said Furyk. “I think we came out of it with two very good pairings.”Reed said: “We both feel like we’re playing well and want to go out there and represent our country the best.“The best way to do that is to go out, have some fun, try to play some good golf, and do it the right way. Any time you get to tee it up with Big Cat, it’s always fun.”