No words ever prepare you for that first tee shot
EUROPE will enter the cauldron at Hazeltine next week with six players stepping out into the unique environment of the Ryder Cup for the first time.
Some rookies thrive under the spotlight. Others fare less well. Peter Baker was someone who positively shone.
The Englishman played his one and only match in 1993 at The Belfry, and while Europe were on the end of a narrow 15-13 defeat, Baker was one of the stars of the week.
He won three matches out of four, including both fourballs alongside Ian Woosnam. And his big advice to the rookies heading over to America is simply to be themselves.
However, Baker admits there is one thing that no words of advice can prepare a player for – the nerves on that first tee.
“I listened to the guys around me who’d played before,” he says. “They told me what was in store.
“But then you have to get on with it and play you own game. You must not forget that you have played very, very well to make the Ryder Cup team.
“Carry on with that, play your own game and hopefully it’s good enough. Don’t try to become somebody else or do something different.
“There will be ups and downs throughout the week and it all happens quickly when you are out there and you have to deal with it.
“When I got the call-up for the first afternoon, it was a hell of a long time to wait.
“Bernard Gallacher had given me prior warning but it seemed to drag on. When I went out there, that first tee was very nerve-racking.
“It was an incredible experience, almost like an out-of-body experience. It was the most nervous I’ve ever been over a shot – nothing comes close.
“You are trying your best to stick to your routine and hope it goes reasonably decent, but you do see a lot of bad shots off the first tee. It’s purely down to nerves.
“Once the first couple of holes are gone, you can then get back to your routine.”
On paper, six rookies makes Darren Clarke’s Class of 2016 look a little green, but Baker believes golf has changed since his single appearance.
Then, as now, one thing has not changed as Baker knows all six debutants will be desperate to contribute to the team effort.
“Rookies are different now,” he states. “Before the Ryder Cup, I had maybe played two or three times in the States.
“I hadn’t played against most of the Americans. Now, the guys play in all the Majors and have been to America lots of times.
“They are rookies in terms of the Ryder Cup but they do have experience.
“It’s a changing of the guard for the Europeans but there is no reason why they cannot do well.
“Traditionally, there have always been one or two who have performed well.
“These guys will have to put up with the vocal American crowd and put up with a little bit of stick, but that is part of it.
“It’s such a great event to be involved in and your first Ryder Cup is very special. I felt I was going to play a lot more of them and I’m sure these guys do.
“It’s a hell of a relief to win that first point. You have contributed whatever the situation.
“I was proud of that and I knew I could do it. Once you get that point, you feel a bit more relaxed – well, as relaxed as you can be!”