Golf: Ryder Cup - The European Team
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Your support makes all the difference.DARREN CLARKE
Northern Ireland
Age: 30
World ranking: 21
Determined to make more of an impression than at Valderrama when Ballesteros allowed him one game before the singles. Won the English Open but, after a second-round 60, collapsed to lose the European Open to Lee Westwood.
Ryder Cup: 1997
Record: P2 W1 L1
ANDREW COLTART
Scotland
Age: 29
World ranking: 66
Has performed admirably for his country at Dunhill Cups but his form did not justify the decision of Mark James to pick the Scot as a rookie. Wants to return his captain's faith and already on a high after the birth of a baby daughter, Bonnie.
Ryder Cup: debut
SERGIO GARCIA
Spain
Age: 19 World ranking: 25
The youngest ever to play in the match, qualifying in three months as a professional. "El Nino" claimed his maiden tour win at the Irish Open and became the darling of the US galleries when he almost beat Tiger Woods at the USPGA last month.
Ryder Cup: debut
PADRAIG HARRINGTON
Ireland
Age: 28
World ranking: 72
Intelligent Irishman who played on three Walker Cup teams but has won only once in four years as a pro. Showed tremendous nerve to finish second in each of the last two events of the qualifying stage to grab the last automatic place. Capable of inspired putting.
Ryder Cup: debut
MIGUEL ANGEL JIMENEZ
Spain
Age: 35
World ranking: 45
Inspired to make the team as a player after being the No 2 to captain Seve Ballesteros at Valderrama. Says the key lesson he absorbed was patience. Mechanic turned Ferrari driver from Malaga who keeps it straight on the course, a key for the foursomes.
Ryder Cup: debut
PAUL LAWRIE
Scotland
Age: 30
World ranking: 48
Life changed dramatically for the Aberdonian with his victory in the Open at Carnoustie when he came from 10 behind to win a play-off. Little matchplay experience and only played twice previously in the States but will be taken under Monty's wing.
Ryder Cup: debut
COLIN MONTGOMERIE
Scotland
Age: 36
World ranking: 3
Sealed the win on the last green two years ago and expected to lead from the front this time. A controversial figure for the American media and galleries, he is nevertheless on course to be Europe's No 1 for a seventh time.
Ryder Cup: 1991, 93, 95, 97
Record: P18 W9 H3 L6
JOSE MARIA OLAZABAL
Spain
Age: 33
World ranking: 24
Europe's most experienced player and must take over from Ballesteros as the team's fiery, fired-up on-course leader. When inspired is unbeatable and form concerns after breaking his hand at the US Open won't apply.
Ryder Cup: 1987, 89, 91, 93, 97
Record: P25 W14 H3 L8
JESPER PARNEVIK
Sweden
Age: 34
World ranking: 15
Wild card in more senses than one and only member of team to have won in the States this season. Eccentric son of comedian and official supplier of vitamins to US tour so can always spike opponents' tablets if things are going badly.
Ryder Cup: 1997
Record: P4 W1 H2 L1
JARMO SANDELIN
Sweden
Age: 32 World ranking: 73
Extrovert Finnish-born naturalised Swede who has previous with the American team. Tangled with Mickelson at the Dunhill Cup and accused O'Meara of misreplacing his ball while winning 1997 Lancome Trophy. Top of European tour putting statistics.
Ryder Cup: debut
JEAN VAN DE VELDE
France
Age: 33
World ranking: 89
Became world famous, or infamous, for blowing a three-shot lead playing the last at Carnoustie. Shrugged off choker tag with gallic charm and joie de vivre, while earning respect of team-mates by impressing to make the side. Good driver and magical short game.
Ryder Cup: debut
LEE WESTWOOD
England
Age: 26
World ranking: 5
The only Englishman in the team. After playing the junior to Nick Faldo to good effect at Valderrama will be in a more senior role. Proven winner around world with 17 victories in three years. Married Coltart's sister earlier this year.
Ryder Cup: 1997
Record: P5 W2 L3
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