Furyk: Tiger and I think alike

American Ryder Cup star Jim Furyk believes the key to his successful partnership with Tiger Woods is that although their games are dissimilar, they share the same mentality.

The players ranked number one and three in the world are expected to rekindle a profitable playing relationship which began in the Presidents Cup last year.

When asked what he thought Woods liked so much about playing with him, Furyk - famed for his idiosyncratic backlift - joked: "He probably likes watching my swing I would think."

He added: "I enjoy his company and his sense of humour. Our mentalities are the same and our thought processes are alike.

"Obviously, he can attack the golf course from different angles than I can because of his length and power and that also helps because, when we get into a four-ball type of competition, we're playing some holes differently.

"We have got some similarities and we have some differences and we get along pretty well."

While the 36-year-old Furyk is almost certain to play every match, that is not the case for a number of players - particularly the rookie quartet of JJ Henry, Brett Wetterich, Zach Johnson and Vaughn Taylor.

In fact, it is possible they will have to watch Friday's play and hope to get into action on the middle day, something Furyk admits could be a problem.

"It's difficult having to sit out both rounds on Friday and starting on Saturday, because you've anticipated the day and want to get out there and get started," he said.

"But having to sit out both matches would make someone very anxious on Saturday."

However, Stewart Cink, one of Lehman's wildcard picks, has confidence in the debutants after practising with Taylor, Johnson and Henry yesterday.

"The hoopla hasn't really started yet but they will be fine," said Cink, who is playing in his third Ryder Cup.

"Players these days have been through a lot more at this stage in their careers than, say, 10 or 20 years ago.

"They are used to being in the scrutinising eye of the public, the media, so there won't be a whole lot of new stuff for them.

"They will be nervous. Everyone will be nervous because they want to win this really bad.

"These guys will handle it just fine - so far they have all been a great addition to the team."