Europe hope for a hat-trick

BROOKLINE, SEPT 22: European captain Mark James had some fun debunking some of the myths surrounding the Ryder Cup, reminding everyone that the intense, match-play competition is, after all, just a game.

James yesterday said he disagreed with those that liken the biennial duel between the best golfers from the United States and Europe to a war.On paper, the Americans seem to have the stronger squad with 10 players ranked within the top 16 on the world list, with only Colin Montgomerie (3), Lee Westwood (5) and Jesper Parnevik (15) joining them from the European side.

Six members of the US team possess a combined 10 major championsips. Two members of the Europe team have won three Grand Slam crowns in total.Europe is almost always cast in the role of Ryder underdogs against the US which enjoys greater depth but not nearly the passion and determination exhibited by the Europeans.