Jose Maria Olazabal was close to tears as he spoke of his emotions at being back in the Ryder Cup for the first time since 1999.
"It was a great moment, after seven years, walking to the first tee," the 40-year-old Spaniard told reporters after he and compatriot Sergio Garcia beat David Toms and Brett Wetterich 3 & 2 in the morning fourballs on Friday.
"I didn't forget how warm the crowds could be but today was a very special one."
Olazabal was not only clearly moved by his own welcome but by the one afforded Darren Clarke.
"It was beautiful to be part of the team again and I know Darren was very emotional," said the sensitive Spaniard.
Olazabal compared his feelings to those he experienced when he was a young Ryder Cup rookie in the U.S. in 1987.
"It is different when you are 21 and you are playing your first Ryder Cup, you have your whole future ahead of you," he said. "You are just happy to be there and you're really nervous.
"I was shaking like a leaf on the first tee at Muirfield Village, playing alongside Seve (Ballesteros). The way you see it now, it is different.
"You know there are not many more Ryder Cups in you and you enjoy every minute of it. You are privileged to be part of it because you know it is a very special moment, one that you always cherish."
Olazabal compared his new partnership with Garcia with his great Ryder Cup days with the brilliant but enigmatic Ballesteros.
"It is different in the sense Seve and I were pretty similar," said the twice former U.S. Masters champion. "We were not the best off the tee and we had to counteract that with a lot of guts and heart.
"Playing alongside Sergio it is like watching golf at its best. He played extremely well and drove the ball straight.
"I have to say it is a more relaxing situation, even though not so much excitement maybe."
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