Things falling into place for Woosnam

Yesterday, as part of his brief as Europe's captain, Ian Woosnam skipped across to the Palmer Course on the other side of the River Liffey. The rough wasn't as thick as he'd want it come the Ryder Cup in September (expect a phone call some time soon, Gerry Byrne, course superintendent) but, generally, what he saw pleased Woosie no end as he looked ahead to the big match.

And he's glad others and not him will be standing on the 17th tee when the business end of the match occurs. "I'll be in my buggy," quipped Woosnam of what is considered one of the most intimidating tee shots in golf, where players play off a tee built out into the river and must clear its meanderings to find a safe place on the fairway.

"It'll be very exciting for the crowd . . . we've seen some disasters there, a few balls in that River Liffey," he added in a "glad it's them rather than me" sort of tone.

But there was a glint in the Welshman's eyes all the same. His team is taking shape, and he likes it. On top of that, the American team as it stands has a plethora of novices, many of whom haven't even played out of the United States. Back in March at the Players Championship, Tom Lehman issued a letter to prospective team members recommending that they add the European Open to their schedules and take the chance to pay a visit to the Ryder Cup venue. Not one of them took him up.

Woosnam was diplomatic when questioned on how the American team was evolving. Currently, it contains players like Zach Johnson, Brett Wetterich, Lucas Glover, Vaughn Taylor and JJ Henry who have never experienced a Ryder Cup atmosphere before. "As things stand at the moment, I think we've got a big advantage. Yes. But, you know, these guys are great players and they can adapt to anything really, so we'll have to wait and see."

With his own team evolving, Woosnam will consider bringing some of them together this week for a "couple of beers and a chat".

There won't be any organised dinner, though. "Over the last four weeks, the team has really changed. We have some players I wanted in there, which is great . . . (but) a couple of guys are struggling, (Sergio) Garcia and (Paul) McGinley, a little bit. I'd like to see them actually playing better. But I think our team is shaping up really well. There's going to be a lot of experience in there."

Over the next couple of days, Woosnam will get a close-up view of McGinley. They're paired together for the first two rounds.

"I think I'll put my arms around his shoulder and have a little talk to him, to just tell him to 'keep doing what you're doing'. The game of golf can change in one week, so I'll just try to give him a bit of encouragement really. He just needs to hit a few good shots. You know, four weeks ago, we were wondering about Padraig Harrington and, all of a sudden, he's in the team and virtually qualified already."

Would Woosnam like the match to be played tomorrow? "I think so, definitely. But, you know, I think our team is going to get (even) stronger."

It's a measure of Woosnam's confidence. If only that rough could be a little longer.

"I'm going to speak to the course superintendent to find out when they are going to start growing up the rough. Obviously, they are keeping it in play for the amateurs at the moment," said Woosnam.