Ryder Cup: Tom Watson's USA arrive in Scotland ahead of Friday's clash with Europe
Last Updated: 23/09/14 6:16am
Tom Watson’s American team have landed in Scotland ahead of this week’s Ryder Cup clash with Europe at Gleneagles.
Watson’s team arrived at Edinburgh Airport shortly before 10am on Monday and were welcomed by a host of dignitaries, including opposition captain Paul McGinley.
Speaking shortly after landing, Watson described the mood in the camp and confirmed he was very confident his side could win the trophy for the first time since their 2008 triumph in Valhalla.
“Everybody’s in great spirits,” he told Sky Sports News HQ.
“We had several hours before the plane took off, we all got together and had a chat at the beginning of the journey and now we’re on Scottish ground and we’re looking forward to the match this week.
“It’s a culmination of two years since I was asked to be captain and now here we are with the team in place and looking forward to some very spirited matches with Paul’s European team.
“One of the things about the Ryder Cup is that it brings so many people in the world of golf together. It is one of the major events of golf and to be here and be a part of it is a wonderful experience already.
“On paper we're underdogs, but the spirit of this team is anything but. I believe that we can win.”
Team USA completed a 40-mile journey from the airport to their hotel at Gleneagles where they were met by friends, families and caddies.
And Watson confirmed that preparations were well under way ahead of the first tee-off this Friday, with pairing options the main topic of discussion.
“Yeah we’ve gone seriously into our pairings and we’re looking forward to it. I don’t think there’s any rocket science involved with the pairings,” Watson added.
“We’re going to be pairing some people that have been paired before and they’re just going to have to go out and do what they have to do.”
McGinley, who greeted Watson on the runway with a simple ‘Welcome to Scotland’ message, acknowledged the threat the American’s pose but remained confident his side could retain the trophy.
“If you know Tom Watson that glint never leaves his eye, he’s a real competitive guy,” he said.
“This is strong American team and it’s not to be underestimated how strong they’re going to be and we’ve got a real challenge ahead of us.
“It’s real now, the opponents are here and we’re all excited. Some of players arrived last night and more are arriving today. We’ll all be in-situ by 6 o’clock tonight and it feels real and we’re getting ready.
“The interaction I’ve got off the players has been terrific and I really appreciate that over the last two years but its real now and it’s getting closer it’s fun and we’re ready, we know how big the challenge is and that’s what makes the Ryder Cup so special.”
“Were confident, we’ve assembled a great team arguably the strongest European team ever but there is a word of warning as well.
“If you take their average world-ranking position, theirs is 16 and ours is 18 so this is not a weak American team, as strong as we are they’re very strong as well and that’s what make the Ryder Cup so great and unique.”
Make sure you catch exclusive coverage of all three days of the 2014 Ryder Cup - Sep 26-28 - on Sky Sports' dedicated Ryder Cup channel and via the Sky Sports for iPad app's Ryder Cup Match Centre.
