Europe face ‘one of the strongest US teams of all time’ - Bjorn
EUROPE will face “one of the strongest American teams of all time” at the Ryder Cup this week but “do not fear anyone”, says captain Thomas Bjorn.
The US team for the event, which starts on Friday, contains the winners of six of the last eight majors.
Tiger Woods will also play for the US, having won his first event for five years on Sunday.
“We don’t fear anyone because we have played against them so many times before individually,” Bjorn said.
“These are 24 of the best players in the world, when they go up against each other they are all capable of amazing things.
“We will go out and do what we can and play our game.
“We know this is one of the strongest American teams of all time and we have to play our best.”
US captain Jim Fuyrk said Woods’ win at the Tour Championship in Atlanta has brought an extra “buzz” to his team.
“Not that this event needs more energy, it is probably the biggest, the grandest event in golf, but (Woods’ win) will add excitement I believe,” Furyk added.
Even European captain Bjorn admits he was pleased to see Woods back in the winners’ circle.
“I spent 25 years playing golf with Tiger Woods and any time he does anything great that’s the story.
“We want to see him at the top of his game as he does so much for the game of golf.
“It was great for the greater aspect of the game.”
He added: “Tiger winning tourna- ments again is brilliant and we all benefit from it. The game of golf needs that boost from someone like him who transcends the game.”
Bjorn was asked whether the exertions of the likes of Woods and Justin Rose, who won the FedEx Cup despite not getting the victory at Atlanta at the weekend, meant fatigue could play a part at Le Golf National this week.
“They are top athletes and they know this week has been coming around for a long time,” he said. “Achieving big things takes it out of you but they are top athletes and I’m not worried.”
Furyk added: “This event is a marathon in its own right: Tiger and Justin Rose understand the physical and mental demands of this event.”
Bjorn was also happy Sergio Garcia, possibly his most contentious wildcard pick, arrived at the event in some form after after shooting a blemish-free six-under 65 to finish joint-seventh at the Portugal Masters on Sunday.
“Pleased for Sergio. He felt more like he wanted to get out there and shoot some good numbers and feel good about himself on the golf course more than I did,” said the Dane. “He is an integral part of who we are and what we are. He came in here with good spirits and a big smile on his face and that is what he will send on to his team-mates.”
Meanwhile, Furyk was asked how much of a driving force was America’s record away from home, having not won a Ryder Cup outside of the United States for 25 years.
“Is it extra motivation? I’m not sure you need extra motivation in a Ryder Cup,” he said.