Phil Mickelson full of admiration for Captain

"Captain Lehman has done a great job of leading this team," the left hander told reporters after a practice session at the K Club on Wednesday. "He has let us all know where we stand and has given us a great game plan.

"He's always been one of the best players on the PGA Tour and a guy we've looked up to as what a true professional golfer should act like. He is a perfect captain for us."

Mickelson said the players all wanted to reward Lehman for his efforts.

"We are hoping to put forward our best performance for Captain Lehman because he deserves it," he said.

"We are trying to play well, not just for Captain Lehman but for ourselves and our fellow team members and the people we respect back in the United States."

David Toms, who has been paired with Mickelson in past Ryder Cup matches, said the U.S. side were looking good.

"This team has a special feeling this year for some reason," said Toms. "It is tough to put a finger on it."

Toms said last month's trip to Straffan had been a big help to those players unfamiliar with the course.

"It was extremely helpful to the guys who did not know what the K Club was like. To me if you had not been here before and you show up and you've only seen the competition on television, it was pretty overwhelming.

"It was a good bonding experience. They were telling me that never happened in the history of the Ryder Cup, that the American team went in to practice together at an event before. So I think it has definitely done us some good."

Mickelson also said the U.S. team had thoroughly enjoyed their preparation and could not wait to get the competition started.

"We have had a great time the first few days and the golf course is in just terrific shape," said the U.S. Masters champion.

"We are all looking forward to the matches and we are excited to get them started on Friday."