"The Ryder Cup is a fun event to be involved in. It is always very, very exciting. It doesn't matter whether it is held in Britain, the United States, Spain or on the Moon," said US skipper Tom Kite.

Seve Ballesteros' blueprint may not have such noble intentions. He recently sent Kite a magazine with the pair on the front cover, each with one hand on the trophy. Stapled to the cover photograph was a note from Seve: "Thought you might like the picture, as it is the closest you will get to the cup."