Europe will be up for the challenge of defeating a powerful-looking Team USA when they clash in Paris at the end of the month, says rookie Tommy Fleetwood.
The American side has been widely tipped as one of the strongest ever assembled with veterans Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson joining in-form Bryson DeChambeau and Tony Finau in the 12-man lineup.
USA skipper Jim Furyk already has two-time US Open champion Brooks Koepka, now former world No 1 Dustin Johnson, matchplay star Patrick Reed and the consistent Jordan Spieth to call upon.
Fleetwood, who played his way on to the team for his first start in the continental showdown after winning last year’s Race to Dubai before finishing second at this year’s US Open, is optimistic of his side’s chances.
‘There’s been a lot of talk how good the American side is and there’s no doubt it, they’ve got an unbelievable team,’ said Fleetwood.
‘But I think at the same time Europe has too. I honestly think it could be one of the best Ryder Cups ever … I fancy our chances, I really do.’
Experienced campaigners Henrik Stenson, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Paul Casey were added as captain’s picks by Thomas Bjorn to supplement a side that has a number of rookies making their debut at Le Golf National.
Photo: David Cannon/Getty Images
