US team arrived at Edinburgh airport on Monday (©GettyImages). The American Ryder Cup team have arrived in Scotland ahead of this event at Gleneagles.
Tom Watson's side arrived at Edinburgh Airport and were met by Europe captain Paul McGinley.
Tom Watson and his players are looking to win the trophy for the first time since their 2008 victory in Valhalla.
Team spirit
Watson believes that the team spirit in his camp is excellent and everyone is looking forward to Friday when action begins.
“Everybody’s in great spirits,” he told Sky Sports.
“We had several hours before the plane took off, we all got together and had a chat at the beginning of the journey and now we’re on Scottish ground and we’re looking forward to the match this week."
He also acknowledged that although Europe may be favourites, he hopes that the unity his team have could be a key factor.
“On paper we're underdogs, but the spirit of this team is anything but. I believe that we can win.”
Revenge
The U.S. side are attempting to get revenge after Europe's miraculous comeback two years ago when they stole victory in Medinah. Watson reveals he has been preparing for this weekend for two years and is relishing the battle against McGinley's European side.
“It’s a culmination of two years since I was asked to be captain and now here we are with the team in place and looking forward to some very spirited matches with Paul’s European team."
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Special occasion
Whatever the outcome though, Watson knows that competing in the Ryder Cup will be a special occasion.
“One of the things about the Ryder Cup is that it brings so many people in the world of golf together. It is one of the major events of golf and to be here and be a part of it is a wonderful experience already."
After landing the Americans made the short journey to their team hotel where their friends, families and caddies were waiting for them.
Europe captain McGinley said recently that he still wasn't decided about the pairings he will choose to face the Americans but Watson says that he has given his selection a lot of thought.
“Yeah we’ve gone seriously into our pairings and we’re looking forward to it. I don’t think there’s any rocket science involved with the pairings,” Watson added.
“We’re going to be pairing some people that have been paired before and they’re just going to have to go out and do what they have to do.”
Welcome
McGinley welcoming his opponents with a 'Welcome to Scotland' message and believes that his opposite number is desperate to win the trophy.
“If you know Tom Watson that glint never leaves his eye, he’s a real competitive guy,” he said.
Although McGinley is confident of his chances, he is under no illusions of how tough the battle will be.
“This is strong American team and it’s not to be underestimated how strong they’re going to be and we’ve got a real challenge ahead of us.
Word of warning
“Were confident, we’ve assembled a great team arguably the strongest European team ever but there is a word of warning as well.
“If you take their average world-ranking position, theirs is 16 and ours is 18 so this is not a weak American team, as strong as we are they’re very strong as well and that’s what make the Ryder Cup so great and unique.”
With only day to go until the battle commences McGinley echoed the views of Watson describing the Ryder Cup as a "special" occasion and admits that he can't wait for it to start.
“It’s real now, the opponents are here and we’re all excited. Some of players arrived last night and more are arriving today. We’ll all be in-situ by 6 o’clock tonight and it feels real and we’re getting ready.
“The interaction I’ve got off the players has been terrific and I really appreciate that over the last two years but its real now and it’s getting closer it’s fun and we’re ready, we know how big the challenge is and that’s what makes the Ryder Cup so special.”
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