Garcia hopeful of another Cup win

Sergio Garcia is confident Europe can hold onto the Ryder Cup in just over a fortnight despite the USA being favourites for victory on home soil.

Many commentators have said the Europeans – with only one player in the world’s top 10 – will struggle to compete against an American team which looks far superior on paper.

However, Garcia, who tees off in the opening round of the Omega European Masters in Switzerland this afternoon looking for his first win this season on this side of the Atlantic, has rejected this theory.

“They are all playing nicely. Monty (Colin Montgomerie) had a good week last week (finishing joint third in the BMW International in Munich), unfortunately he didn’t finish so well but he played well all week,” said the Spaniard.

“Padraig Harrington didn’t have the best of weeks (he missed the cut) but I am sure he will get it figured out by the time we get there. He has been playing well all year so don’t worry about that.

“This is the best team we have. We are looking forward to it and that is the most important thing.

“It’s a nice atmosphere between the players, which is always important. We are going to go out there and give it our best shot and hopefully come back with the cup.”

Turning his thoughts to the challenge ahead of him at Crans-sur-Sierre in the Swiss mountains, Garcia said he plans to enjoy the week and see where that gets him.

“My form’s not too bad and I’m looking forward to it, it should be fun,” he added. "I’m not looking to work on anything in particular, just get more confidence and get some good vibrations going.

“It has been a while since I won here in Europe – it is tough when you play so little – but I am looking forward to the tournament coming this week and a couple more around Spain. I hope to get at least one win on European soil.”

South African Ernie Els has, of course, little interest in the Ryder Cup but he has his own challenge on his hands – attempting to become only the second player since Seve Ballesteros to successfully defend this title.

He arrived at the course in a relaxed mood after taking some time off after admitting he struggled for motivation at the NEC Invitational in the US last month.

“I haven’t played too much, especially last week on my week off,” he said.

“But I felt good today, I hit it nice and my swing feels nice. I’m looking forward to playing again. I feel I want to play well and win this week and that is my motivation.”