- Europe has very good chances.
Both in terms of the mood of the players and how the game looked on the recording rounds.
And in terms of weather, it is very European with windy and cold weather right now, says Swedish vice-captain Henrik Stenson.
The USA comes to this year's edition of the Ryder Cup with a stronger team than ever.
If you look at the world ranking, the average ranking is 8.9 for the American team, while it is just over 30 for the European team.
Add to that 45,000 spectators who in covid times are supposed to consist of almost exclusively Americans.
It sounds like a big blow to Europe, it sounds like.
But it's not that simple when it comes to the Ryder Cup.
Team spirit is Europe's strength
Europe has won 9 of the last 12 matches.
and most of the time you have done it even though you have been the weaker team on paper beforehand.
The Ryder Cup is something else.
A team competition in match play format.
Something that has always benefited Europe, often with a strong team spirit, which has managed to gather and win.
- Our team cohesion has been an important factor in Europe's success over the years and will be so this time as well, says Stenson.
Even before the 2018 match in Paris, the USA were favorites, but in the end Europe won quite comfortably with 17.5 points against 10.5 points.
- We will go out there and silence the audience with good games and let the clubs make the biggest talk, says Stenson about the audience pressure you will have during the weekend.
Expect that Europe will offer a fight again this time.
And on paper, they have a big advantage in terms of a merit other than ranking and that is experience.
Of the players who have been in 5 or more Ryder Cups on Whistling Straits, all play for Europe.
And if you look at the number of Ryder Cup matches played, Europe has an advantage of 38 against twelve for the United States.
Poulter personifies Europe's Ryder Cup spirit
One of those who peronifies Europe's experience and Ryder Cup spirit is the Englishman Ian Poulter.
The 45-year-old from Hitchin in England, who is admittedly a good golfer but has seldom succeeded at the very highest level in the traditional competitions and never won a major for example, is in the Ryder Cup almost unbeatable.
He has never lost a singles match on Sundays.
He changes when it comes to match play and fight against the Americans.
Poulter plays the opponent with his energy.
His clenched fists at lowered putts are truly the essence of what the Ryder Cup is all about - passion, rivalry and joy
Something that made him incredibly popular in Europe but perhaps a bit like an annoyance to the American audience and the players.
- I am aware that I have probably teased a lot.
My Ryder Cup stats have been really good and not as good for those I played against, so I'm sure it's been pretty frustrating to be my opponent.
- But it feels good.
I enjoy putting putts and winning matches.
It has been a fantastic trip so I will lazily apologize for that.
This is how match play should be played, says Poulter the days before this year's match.
Tomorrow, the Ryder Cup begins with four foursome matches and four best ball matches when eight points are awarded.
The same goes for Saturday.
And on Sunday you will play 12 singles matches with 12 points.
For Europe, it is enough to salvage 14 points to keep the dent.
The United States must score at least 14.5 points to win.