Lehman lauds Woosnam's Smyth decision

American Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman believes less fear and more fun is the way for his side to win back the trophy next year.

US Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman believes the addition of Des Smyth will add even more atmosphere at the event.

Lehman is in Ireland today playing the European Open on the K Club course, which in 15 months’ time stages the eagerly-awaited match.

Today he said the decision of Europe captain Ian Woosnam to make Des Smyth one of his vice-captains will add to the occasion.

Lehman commented: “The thing I appreciate most about the Ryder Cup is the passion and the enthusiasm and the nationalism and the songs you hear on the course, the flags and people painting their faces," he said.

“To me that’s what makes the Ryder Cup so special and I believe that having Des Smyth as part of Ian’s team will just add to that. I think it makes it even better.

“On top of having (Padraig) Harrington and (Darren) Clarke and (Paul) McGinley, maybe (Graeme) McDowell, who knows, maybe a lot of Irishmen, that just adds more flavour, more fun to the event.”

Lehman believes less fear and more fun is the way for his side to win back the trophy next year.

The former British Open champion makes Europe favourites, but he does so based on recent results and he hopes the side he leads out will learn from past mistakes.

“I think the US team tends to play with a little more apprehension, a little more self-inflicted pressure,” commented Lehman. “A little more fear of failure possibly.

“There is a lot of pressure for the US team to play well and to win by the US media and that also tends to take a little bit of the fun out of the game.

“I can assure you that the passion and the love for the Ryder Cup amongst our players is there. I think there has been a lot written about that and I do know our guys care a great deal about it.

“I know they will care especially in 2006. It’s a real challenge to all of us. We have had a rough patch and nobody is very happy about that.”