Matt Kuchar's first taste of Ryder Cup action has made him determined to become a regular at the biennial showpiece.
No rest for in-form American
Matt Kuchar's first taste of Ryder Cup action, albeit in a losing cause, has made him determined to become a regular fixture for the United States at the biennial showpiece.
Following a thrilling match in which Europe beat the United States by a single point on an unprecedented fourth day at Celtic Manor, Kuchar returns to the normality of the PGA Tour at the McGladrey Classic in Georgia.
But Kuchar admitted he was still coming to terms with events in Wales.
"It probably hasn't really soaked in, but it sure was fun," he said. "It was so exciting.
Passion
"I don't think I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. I knew it was a big stage.
"I knew there would be tons of people, but I had no idea of the intensity and the passion that came with the Ryder Cup from a fan's perspective.
"I haven't played a US Ryder Cup, but all the chants and singing songs that they do it was really a lot of fun to be part of.
"The first day, the first tee was really a special time. Every day, even if it was pouring down rain, the fans were out there and they were into it.
"They're certainly pro the European team, but just to see people that into it was great. I loved it.
"Anybody that plays the Ryder Cup wants to play it every time they have the event. It's something you don't want to miss out on once you get a taste of it."
Kuchar is one of two of the defeated United States team who will play at the inaugural event on Sea Island, with Zach Johnson also taking his place in the field.
Relaxed
Johnson admitted the tournament would be a somewhat more relaxed affair following the pressure of the Ryder Cup.
"I don't know which one of the Europeans said it, but it's essentially like you're in contention in a major every shot, to an extent," he said. "That's kind of what it feels like.
"The nice thing (about this week) is it's a home week. I'm sleeping in my own bed. I've got both my children here at a tournament for the first time in my life, so that's pretty special."
Also lining up is Bill Haas, winner of last week's Viking Classic, former Open champion Ben Curtis, Davis Love III and England's Brian Davis and Greg Owen.
