Ernie Els has warned Europe to prepare for a Ryder Cup roasting. The South African was a member of the International team which hammered the US 20 1/2 to 11 1/2 in the Presidents Cup last year.

"On paper, the Americans would blow Europe clean out of the water. They should just steamroller them," said Els.

Not that Els, who admits the Ryder Cup is his favourite sporting event, is prepared to put his money where his mouth is.

"With 18-hole matchplay anything can happen," he said.

Els is paired with Darren Clarke in today's opening round of the NEC Invitational in Akron, Ohio.