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The Ryder Cup needed this. While it was fun watching the United States being humbled in the last two matches it was so important that for this match that proved America still cares about the biennial transatlantic dust-up.

This was at the heart of his captaincy from the moment he took on the job. His biggest task was to make to sure the US and its leading players realised that the Ryder Cup really matters.

So he changed the qualifying system so that performances over a single year counted. This made 2008 as much about making the team as the race to pick up $10 million in the FedEx Cup.

The enforced absence of Tiger Woods helped too. The world number one inevitably becomes a focal point for attention. He carries influence and if he gives off the vibe that he's not that much bothered about beating Europe it can have a ripple effect.

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It was a bit like the aftermath of a when the photographer takes centre stage. It's not about the bride and groom it's all about the snapper - and so it has to be to get the best pictures.

The boys and girls armed with cameras set the early European agenda on the first morning of practice here at .

The players looked in great spirits as they assembled . They'd already had a team get-together on the first tee - almost a group hug affair, an exercise in team bonding at sunrise.

Within moments though, they were reaching for their waterproof suits. This was for the first pictures and hopefully it'll be the last time there's any need for such attire.

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Fears that the United States is losing interest in the Ryder Cup at the start of the week of the 37th running of .

has certainly bought into the staging of the latest US v Euro clash at Valhalla.

Neon signs at greeted Ryder Cup fans as well as welcomed home and reminding us that this is .

Now the parochial hope is that will be the one to pack the knock-out punch that renders Europe dopes inside the ropes and denies an unprecedented fourth straight victory.

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There are strong rumours in the US that American Ryder Cup captain is planning to invite to deliver some words of inspiration to his players at .

If this is true, then Azinger's European counterpart should rub his hands in glee.

Inviting a limping Woods to be part of the American Ryder Cup team room would appear to make little sense.

Yes he is the best golfer in the world (when fit) and yes he is a patriotic American. But, as we all know, the Ryder Cup has never figured prominently on his golfing radar.

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