Let the battle begin: European have stranglehold on Ryder Cup

STRAFFAN, Ireland — As if recent history weren't enough, Europe showed just how tight a grip it has on the Ryder Cup.

U.S. captain Tom Lehman gathered his team on the 10th tee Thursday morning for the official team photo, which lately is the closest the Americans ever get to posing with the Ryder Cup trophy.

The Europeans didn't even allow them that luxury at The K Club.

Whether it was a harmless oversight or not-so-subtle message about the true ownership of the shiny gold chalice, captain Ian Woosnam neglected to turn over the trophy even for 15 minutes of a photo opportunity. It was the first time since 1985 — coincidentally, the start of European dominance in these matches — that the 17-inch trophy was not part of the official team photo.

"I wasn't aware of that," Lehman said. "I have no idea what the protocol is or isn't, so I can't even respond to that."

All he cares about is posing with it Sunday.

After four days of glitz and galas, topped off by an opening ceremony that celebrated Ireland's biggest sporting event, the Ryder Cup was set to begin Friday morning with both sides sending out their best teams.

Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk faced Colin Montgomerie and Padraig Harrington in the opening fourball match, a sign that both captains were intent on taking control as early as possible.

"We've got two of Europe's best on the first day," Woods said.

Woods has lost seven straight matches on opening day at the Ryder Cup, dating to his debut in 1997, and he rarely looks like the world's No. 1 player in these team events. On the other end is Montgomerie, 0-for-60 in the majors, 0-for-America, yet a stalwart in this event.

It will be the second straight time Montgomerie and Harrington have drawn a Dream Team from the United States. Two years ago at Oakland Hills, they beat Woods and Phil Mickelson in a match that set the tone for Europe's largest victory ever, 18 1/2-9 1/2.

"We are leading out, as I have done a lot in this event, and it's almost my role here," Montgomerie said. "Whether I play again or not, I don't care. To start off this thing is great, and we will try our best with it."

For the Americans, the next three days are more important than they used to be.