RYDER CUP RELATED STORIES Ryder Cup Home Page Ryder Cup results 1927 - 2006 Press critical of Nick Faldo's captaincy Tony Jacklin comes to Nick Faldo's defence American win rejuvenates Ryder Cup for 2010 Players want Paul Azinger back for 2010 Ryder Cup showcases fresh American talent Lee Westwood clarifies his crowd comments R3: US reclaim the Ryder Cup R3: European top stars fail this time R3: American mixture finds passion R3: Anthony Kim concedes nothing R2: US lead in to final day 9-7 R2: Phil Mickelson fails to deliver R2: Lee Westwood's unbeaten run ends R2: Oliver Wilson leads European fight back R2: Nick Faldo amazed at Ryder Cup quality R2: Paul Azinger front loads singles R2: Europeans close deficit to 7-5 R1: US take command on first day 5.5 - 2.5 R1: Nick Faldo sits Sergio Garcia & Lee Westwood R1: Justin Leonard boosts US on opening day R1: Azinger urges cheering of European mistakes R1: American rookies off to a good start R1: Lee Westood happy to silence American fans R1: US take early advantage to lead 3-1 R1: Harrington gets Ryder Cup underway Ryder Cup history and records 80 years of Ryder Cup quotes Paul Azinger aims to restore US pride Captains promise a competitive Ryder Cup Europeans look to extend recent dominance Opening pairings announced Nick Faldo has clear ideas on pairings Boo Weekley providing comic relief for US Ian Poulter out to prove critics wrong Rookies the key factor for US team Harrington hopes Ryder Cup will lift his game Paul Azinger hoping to use home advantage Tiger Woods won't attend Ryder Cup US players seek inspiration Nick Faldo stresses team unity Phil Mickelson wishes to play, not lead Sergio Garcia ready to lead European team Nick Faldo relying on Padraig Harrington US believe underdog status is a boost Little electricity at Ryder Cup, literally European team set off in confident mood NEWS & TOUR TOP STORIES Nick Faldo receives his Knighthood LPGA wins Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge Mickelson raises expectations for 2010 Race to Dubai nears its conclusion Thousands follow Tiger Woods practice round Fans warned about fake Ryder Cup tickets COMPETITIONS, GIFTS AND OFFERS Fantastic Cleveland wedge trade-in offer! Teeofftimes Fore-Tee Days of Giveaways! WIN 2 nights/3 rds at Botley Park Tom Watson's DVD - only £19.99! Save money on golf in France!

Captains promise a competitive Ryder Cup

Anthems were played, jets flew low overhead and team captains vowed to stage a rousing show on the course at Thursday’s opening ceremonies for the 37th Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club.

The biennial matchplay competition between Europe and the United States begins on Friday.

“There is such a long and prestigious sporting history here, from the Kentucky Derby to, of course, the legendary, The Greatest’, Muhammad Ali,” European captain Nick Faldo told the crowd.

“This is a city that thrived on sporting courage and I’m sure everyone from Europe, inside and outside the ropes, are proud to be a part of your new sporting history.

“Captain (Paul) Azinger, you’ve assembled a very talented and skilful team and if you’re ready to rumble in the jungle, we’re ready to see you Friday morning for Round One.”

Europe have dominated recent matches, winning the last three in a row and five of the last six.

U.S. captain Azinger saluted Faldo and his winning record as a player on European teams.

“Your teams have given us all we have ever wanted. But ultimately, the game, its values, sportsmanship, honor and integrity overshadow everything.

“You and your team have always exhibited the greatest traditions of golf—camaraderie, honor, dignity, resolve and enthusiasm and I thank you for that.

“I know you’ll be sharp and fierce and rest assured we will offer the same.”

Faldo, who called the Ryder Cup “the most emotionally charged challenge in our sport,” ended his speech with another reference to Ali, who visited both teams on the Valhalla course on Thursday morning.

“We may look like we just floated in like a butterfly,” Faldo said. “But I can promise you we’re here to sting like a bee.”