Tuesday 27 September 2016 19:20, UK
Sergio Garcia has hailed the spirit within Europe’s Ryder Cup team and has vowed he would be happy to be paired with any of Darren Clarke’s side at Hazeltine.
The Spaniard has played an integral part of the European side since his making debut at Brookline in 1999, playing in seven of the past eight tournaments and acting as one of Colin Montgomerie's vice-captains at Celtic Manor in 2010.
Garcia has formed formidable partnerships alongside Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy in previous appearances, but is prepared to help Darren Clarke in any way to try and secure Europe a fourth consecutive victory.
"I look at the European Team and I couldn't tell you a guy that I wouldn't be comfortable or happy playing with," Garcia told a press conference on Tuesday. "I think that kind of says it all.
"One of the most important things is to get along really, really well with your partner and to be behind him at every single point of the game.
"It doesn't matter if he's playing well…you make your team-mate feel as comfortable as possible, and if you manage to do that, then usually you're helping him relax and play better.
"It's not easy to do, but for us it seems like it's easier to achieve than maybe in the other team."
Garcia practiced on Tuesday with Rory McIlroy, BMW PGA Champion Chris Wood and Andy Sullivan, one of six rookies in the side this week.
The three-time European Tour winner is relishing a first Ryder Cup appearance and revealed during his press conference how the European side are keeping themselves entertained.
"I think the best part of the team room is the darts board," Sullivan said. "I think that's where I'm going to find myself taking down a few of the boys.
"Poults' caddie, Terry, is pretty good and I think he's going to properly take me down, but at the moment, I'm top dog. I've only played two people, so I'm chirping a bit early!
"To mix with some of the best guys in the world and just have a chance to mingle with them all the time and pick their brains on what stuff they've learned has just been incredible.
"I think you learn from the best, and this is the stage where I want to be at in my golf game, and I want to learn from the best."
