Cup fever takes hold of Garcia

GOLF: John O'Sullivan talks to a player who will be one of Europe'sleading lights in the Ryder Cup

Sergio Garcia tries to fill the armchair in the media centre, his slight frame draped languorously, the epitome of relaxed good humour. It is a familiar sentiment among the golfers. Mount Juliet has managed to make a very favourable impression on and off the golf course.

It must be having a cathartic effect as no matter how interminable the questioning on next week's Ryder Cup, the players seem unflustered, patiently responding to every query. Garcia is no exception, articulating his excitement for next week's contest. When asked for his thoughts on the retention of the same teams that qualified for last year's scheduled contest the Spaniard admitted: "I think that was the first thing to do. Those players deserve to play the Ryder Cup. It was unfortunate that it was postponed but those guys qualified initially and they should be on the team that eventually plays."

Even when the events at Brookline were thrust forward, the questionable behaviour of galleries and players, Garcia donned his Red Adair apparel, quick to cap any potential dissension.

"I think there was a little bit of everything. There's no doubt that there was a lot of excitement from both teams. When the US was starting to make a comeback, they realised they were doing something that has never been done before (overturning such a large deficit going into the singles). They (the American team) were getting excited and the people were getting excited with them.

"It got a little bit out of hand but it is something that unfortunately happened and we must all forget about it."

Garcia really enjoyed his time at Brookline, especially playing alongside Jesper Parnevik.

"I had a great time with Jesper. Of course we were playing great and it's easier to enjoy when you're playing that well.

"Sunday was a little disappointing because you want to win the trophy and we went so close. It hurts a little more. It was still a good experience and I'm glad I was there even if we lost."

The Spaniard was measured when asked about whether he would like to renew his partnership with Parnevik.

"It is something we will have to look at next week and see how Jesper is feeling; see how I'm feeling and see what Sam (Torrance) thinks. Jesper is a good friend of mine. I think we make a good team together. We'll see how everything feels that week but I hope so.

"The last time I talked to him was at the PGA. The Ryder Cup is a different tournament because it is matchplay. So many different things happen that week. You get yourself motivated and you strive harder than before."

Garcia doesn't look upon himself as a focal point for the team despite being the leading European in the official world rankings, instead pointing out the claims of Colin Montgomerie and Darren Clarke. Top 10 finishes in the four majors underline the quality of his golf this season, winning three tournaments, the most recent of which was the Korean Open. Following that success he took a week off away from the tour and fulfilled an ambition when meeting Real Madrid's new signing, Brazilian striker Ronaldo.

There was to be little respite from Ryder Cup musings but to his credit, Garcia was not about to turn maudlin when discussing absent friends; namely Jose Maria Olazabal. So will the team miss him?

"I'll tell you when we're finished. If we win we won't miss him at all. If we don't, we'll probably miss Ollie and Justin (Leonard) and a lot of people. I think we have a good enough team to win. Three years ago no one gave us a penny and we went close to winning."

For now, though, Garcia's priority remains winning the AmEx at Mount Juliet and thereby putting himself in a position to deliver on one half of his pre-season declaration that he hoped to top the order of merit in both America and Europe.

A former Irish Open champion, he concluded: "I have done well here. It's a country I like and the people are very nice. I always look forward to coming back here."