That champagne feeling

Europe's ambitions to retain the Ryder Cup are already underway and even the Open champion is concerned about earning a place on the team, says Dan Murphy

THE first morning of the 37th Ryder Cup matches may seem a long way removed from the November gloom of Britain. But rest assured that by the time autumn and winter have given way to spring, and the Masters is once more upon us, the seeds will very much have been sown with regards the make-up of the two teams and, specifically, Europe's intentions to retain the trophy.

Already, there is a feeling on this side of the Atlantic that competition to make the side will be fiercer than ever before.

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