Portuguese Open: European Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam hopes he will be relaxed about taking on the US in September thanks to a stress-beating system of breathing techniques he has started using.

"It's very useful for people with high-profile jobs," Woosnam said yesterday before practice for this week's Portuguese Open at the Le Meridien Penina in the Algarve.

"It concentrates on breathing techniques and it helps you relax," the 48-year-old Welshman said of the system which was developed in California. "And when you are relaxed you make better decisions."

The system has an unfortunate side-effect though: "I can't get up in the morning; I'm too relaxed," Woosnam said.

It has not helped his game either, as he has missed the cut in all three events he has played on the European Tour this season.

"It hasn't been too successful that way yet. Maybe I'm too relaxed," added Woosnam, who hopes to lead Europe to a record third consecutive Ryder Cup triumph over the US at the K Club.

He has been delighted by the form of Henrik Stenson. Swedish star Stenson finished tied third in the Players Championship at Sawgrass and heads the Ryder Cup world points list.

There are six Irish in the field this week - Stephen Browne, David Higgins, Michael Hoey, Peter Lawrie, Damien McGrane and Gary Murphy.