“For us this week, it’s an away crowd. But I do say that the home crowd are a big part of what makes the Ryder Cup so special, so unique to us.

“As individuals, you obviously don’t get to play in front of a home or team atmosphere, if you like. It’s always kind of crowd supporting individuals.

“But I think that energy, that passion and that home team environment is something that plays such a big part in the Ryder Cup, and I think you have to embrace that, enjoy it, and look forward to it, even when you’re the away team.”

Luke Donald is chasing a piece of history as he is aiming to follow in the footsteps of Tony Jacklin and become just the second European captain to win home and away.

While still active on the PGA Tour, the 47-year-old has been able to focus more of his attention on preparation for this tournament, delving into the finer details which could deliver victory.

American counterpart Keegan Bradley’s biggest decision has been whether to pick himself as a playing captain or not after an impressive year on tour.

The world number 13 decided to concentrate on his captaincy but, if his team fails, questions may be asked about where his focus was and whether he made the right decision.

There is a stark difference between the make-up of the two sides.

American captain Keegan Bradley has the luxury of being able to pick seven of the world’s top 10 in his 12-man team, with world number one Scottie Scheffler leading them after a phenomenal 2025 so far.

But they also have four rookies in their side with JJ Spaun, Russell Henley, Ben Griffin and Cameron Young making their Ryder Cup bows and their entire team have only won a combined 30 Ryder Cup points.

Compare that to the 68.5 points Europe have totalled in a vastly-experienced team, which sees 11 of the players who won two years ago back in blue.

Luke Donald has kept faith with his winning team, with Rasmus Hojgaard replacing his brother Nicolai in the only change from the side in Rome.

The fact that this course – one of five public courses in Bethpage State Park in Long Island – comes with its own warning, tells you exactly how tough it is.

Golfers are greeted at the first tee by a sign which reads: “The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers.”

And it is widely regarded as one of the toughest tests in the sport.

It is characterised by undulating hills, huge bunkers and tricky rough, though the fairways have been made wider than usual to accommodate the big-hitting American drivers.

Whichever team can tame the beast the best will lift the silverware on Sunday.

With the opening ceremony having been moved forward to today, the players’ media schedule has changed.

Rather than eight European players and six Americans being up for press today, the majority will now be tomorrow instead.

There are still four European stars talking to the media though, including Tommy Fleetwood doing so now. Here’s the new schedule:

7.45am ET (12.45pm BST): Tommy Fleetwood

8am ET (1pm BST): Ludvig Aberg

8.15am ET (1.15pm BST): Rasmus Hojgaard

8.30am ET (1.30pm BST:) Justin Rose

Home advantage has been a decisive factor in much of the recent history of the Ryder Cup and the United States are big favourites coming into the tournament on home soil.

Indeed, Europe’s only win on this side of the Atlantic in the last 20 years came courtesy of the ‘Miracle of Medinah’ in 2012, when Jose Maria Olazabal’s side overturned a 10-6 deficit on the final day.

Many of Europe’s heavyweights have had individual success on the PGA Tour and they will need to channel that if they are to get their hands on the trophy on Sunday night.

Captain Luke Donald has also revealed he has been thinking outside the box in order to mastermind an away victory.

Much has been made about the hostile atmosphere Europe are expecting to face, with American crowds notorious for their partisan support.

How Rory McIlroy and co can cope with the heckling, jeering and booing could go a long way in deciding the outcome of the contest.

The level of patriotism looks set to be especially heightened on Friday when president Donald Trump is in attendance amid a divided political backdrop following the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk.

The build-up to the tournament has been dominated by the PGA of America’s decision to pay the United States team, meaning players will get paid for the first time in the competition’s history.

The matter has been a thorny subject for a number of years but was resolved ahead of this edition, with it being determined all 12 players plus the captain would be paid $500,000.

Of that, $300,000 is to be allocated to a charity of the individual’s choice – an increase on a previous charitable agreement – with $200,000 to be used as they see fit.

Captain Keegan Bradley, Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler and Patrick Cantlay indicated they will donate their entire payments to charity. The other US players have either not stated their intentions or not been asked yet.

Bradley also refuted suggestions that by accepting payment, it shows that the Ryder Cup means less to the US than Europe, who chose not to accept payment.

Team Europe were also on the course yesterday, getting to know Bethpage Black

If the golfing gods have a sense of mischief, then Sunday’s singles will see Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau square off. Their rivalry has been brewing for a while now.

DeChambeau was perturbed that McIlroy gave him the silent treatment when they were in the final group together at the Masters, with the Northern Irishman responding: “I don’t know what he was expecting. We’re trying to win the Masters.”

At the Happy Gilmore 2 Premiere, the American joked he would “chirp in the ear” of McIlroy at the Ryder Cup and added, “If we go up against each other, you can be sure of it.”

McIlroy then responded by saying: “I think the only way he gets attention is by mentioning other people. That is basically what I think of that. To get attention, he will mention me or Scottie (Scheffler) or others.”

DeChambeau tried to cool the rivalry last week, saying: “All I’m trying to do is inspire kids on YouTube. Whatever Rory says and whatnot, I didn’t mean anything by it, other than I’m excited. I hope we can have some good banter back and forth. And if not, if he wants to do what he’s doing, great. No problem.”

Both men will speak to the media today and undoubtedly be asked about the other.