U.S. hope to spoil Europe's plans for Ryder Cup party
Course and player line-up appear to be perfect formula for hosts to maintain domination, but American underdogs are ready to scrap
On the face of it, Europe are ideally placed to extend their domination over the United States when the 40th Ryder Cup gets under way at Gleneagles today.
The Europeans have won seven out of the past nine editions and five out of the past six and there has not been an American win on foreign soil since 1993.
Current form shows that four Europeans are in the world top six, including top-ranked Rory McIlroy, while the Americans are without the injured Tiger Woods.
The competition is taking place in Scotland on a course set up to replicate European Tour courses and Europe need just 14 points to retain the cup. The Americans need 141/2 to win.
And if that were not enough, Europe have legendary Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson in their corner as a motivational speaker.
Success breeds success in golf, Europe team captain Paul McGinley believes.
"I see the template that's in place," he said.