You do not want to lose in backyard

You would never have guessed Henrik Stenson was a Ryder Cup rookie two years ago as he showed remarkable poise in the K Club cauldron to claim a crucial one-and-a-half points. It was also his putt on the 15th hole in the thumping 4&3 singles win over Vaughn Taylor that ensured a European triumph for a third time. Memorable moments, but the Dubai-based Swede is not one to hanker after old glories or crave the limelight, confessing that his winning putt just meant more "prime-time TV" and the whole team deserved the plaudits.

The cup is the ultimate goal and Stenson has his eye on being a leading figure once again when his team do battle with the Americans in the 37th version of the event at the Valhalla Country Club in Louisville, Kentucky. "I have been looking forward to this, ever since the last time, and hoping to be on the team again," said the down-to-earth world No 7, who enjoyed the Dublin success by donning a green clown wig. "It's true when people say you always want to be in the team once you have had a taste. There is something special about the Ryder Cup and it was fantastic to be part of a winning team; something you don't forget.

"There are always nerves on the first tee, but I don't know what it's going to be like this time and hopefully I can do well. "What happened last time was a great experience, but it has also gone now and we have to do it all again. I was a rookie last time out, but now I am one of the more senior players. With a few rookies this time in our team, I feel I have to be one of the guys to step up and be more of a leader. We have got experience in Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood, so I will just add to that and try to help the new guys.

"We feel we can win it. It is always going to be difficult to match what we achieved last time, and especially on US soil. "That does help, like it did for us in Ireland two years ago, and the American team will not want to let down their home crowd. They won't want to lose four in a row and their pride is at stake. The crowd can inspire them, but they will also be under pressure because of the recent record."

The Europeans are favourites again after their second consecutive record 18½-9½ victory last time and the absence of the American hero Tiger Woods following his knee operation. Stenson admits that will be a factor, coupled with the US team's six rookies compared to Europe's four. Justin Rose, Soren Hansen, Graeme McDowell and Oliver Wilson will be first-timers, while the former cup heroes like Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie miss out as the captain, Nick Faldo, decided to go for Paul Casey and Ian Poulter as his wild-card choices. This European team might not have the same wealth of experience as in the past, but Stenson says this could be the start of a new era for them and become knockouts in the place where Muhammad Ali grew to be a boxing legend.

"Regardless of who were the wild-cards, we were going to have a strong side," he adds. "Nick has had to make a couple of tough decisions and he's chosen the ones he wanted. It's very difficult to choose because no one likes to miss out and I would not have liked to do it. "All of the ones considered have their strengths and Nick has gone for Paul and Ian so you have to accept it; I am happy with it and feel both of them will help the team. We have got a younger side [with nine of the team under 35] and it feels like there is a generation shift.

"A lot of the guys have come through at or around the same time and there is a bond. We know each other and will support each other. That's what happens at the Ryder Cup and is important in the outcome. You play as a team and want to win as a team. Everyone will want to impress on this stage, to show they can compete." Stenson is in fine form leading up to the event, having finished joint third at the British Open and then fourth at the US PGA - his best results in the majors. But it is Harrington who could be Europe's talisman following his glorious year, which has brought the Irishman the Open (twice) and the US PGA Championship. "Padraig is in magnificent form," added Stenson. "Three majors in 14 months; it's unbelievable. He has taken his game to another level and shown others that it is possible to do this and win majors."

@Email:akhan@thenational.ae