• Ryder Cup

Pavin feels Europe have Ryder Cup edge

ESPN staff
August 18, 2010
Corey Pavin has much to ponder as the Ryder Cup approaches © Getty Images
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USA Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin has conceded that Europe appear to have the edge and is looking to select a team that will fight to defend the crown at the start of October.

European golf is riding the crest of a wave at present and it received a further shot in the arm when Martin Kaymer won the US PGA Championship at the weekend. With doubts over the form of Tiger Woods, Pavin's side has a fragile look to it as four of his eight automatic qualifiers will be Ryder Cup rookies.

Pavin feels that this, combined with the advantage Europe have by playing on home turf at Celtic Manor, tips the balance in favour of Colin Montgomerie's side.

"Home course knowledge and playing in Europe is a big advantage," Pavin told Sky Sports News. "It is big factor. If everything else is equal so to speak, I've got to give Europe the edge but we are going to come out fighting and try to change that statistic that we have not won [away] since 1993."

Pavin will have to finalise his captain's picks in the coming weeks and is looking for players who will show the spirit for a battle.

"It is kind of a free for all right now," Pavin said. "So much can happen in the next few weeks. I am looking for character, for guys who can go over and play on European soil and will love the challenge of that.

"This is the fun part for me. This is when the team is forming and when I have to get serious and start thinking about pairings."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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