«It's a course that big enough and wide enough that our players can express their game, ... All I've asked of them is to give themselves a chance by hitting fairways. We have a team of high-ball hitters, which is unusual for us, but this is what is needed here -- even with the wind. We have had two solid days of observations, and I believe we have the best possible pairings we can make. I've sat down two Scotsmen in Gordon Law and Fraser Mann, and it was the most difficult decision for a Scotsman. But, I felt we had to get the rookies out there early. Both Gordon and Fraser have done this before and understand. They will be ready to play.»

«[FARMER:] We wanted our most experienced players out first, ... They have the most ammunition to play with.. Paul has been playing very well coming into the Match. Both have been on losing teams and they are desperate to give us a good start.»

«[FARMER:] They have played well together, and they seem to have jelled together at the right time, ... They have coped with the conditions of hitting the ball higher, which is necessary for this course.»

«Both players are rookies, and I've only had the opportunity to watch them in our national Club Professional Championship and this week. They seem to have similar personalities and work well together.»

«Both are Welshmen, and have played together so much that they know each other's game. I felt that this was the best situation for two rookies.»

«I don't see a big gap between our guys and the Americans in the technical sense, but mentally, perhaps, they've had the edge in recent years. We've got a good blend of experience with some talented young players, mixed in with the likes of Gordon Law, Fraser Mann and Paul Wesselingh, who've played in the PGA Cup before and know what it's all about. If we can be strong mentally, I think we've got as good a chance as any.»

«We are starting with a blank piece of paper, as will be the Americans,»

«What I can expect is that Great Britain & Ireland, with six veterans, will be ready to play. Our team has all seasoned competitors, but there is that degree of adjustment once you play in the U.K. that may be the difference in how the Matches go. I have made it my duty to try to prepare those who have not played before in the U.K. and make the most use of our practice rounds. My job is not to motivate, but rather to help find those who want to play together and encourage all to play as a team.»

«There's no disputing it'll be a stiff test,»

«America probably have the edge just in the sheer numbers of club pros they have - some 28,000 versus 6,500 - and due to the climate and other factors they probably generally play to a slightly higher level but it's important we play our own game and don't get sucked into playing theirs.»