Woosnam will be happy to talk about golf again after a torrid week

Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal said the unpublicised get-together was vital to boosting European hopes of defending their title against the USA in Ireland.

Olazabal said: "We want to see how it's playing and Woosie will pinpoint his ideas and we'll see what he has to say.

"It's important to get together well before the tournament and have a taste of the course and the team atmosphere."

Olazabal was joined at the practice session by Paul Casey, Darren Clarke, Luke Donald, Padraig Harrington and David Howell. The rest of Woosnam's team are either in action or resting.

The European reconnaissance mission follows a similar trip made by all 12 of the American team and captain Tom Lehman last week.

Thomas has his right to say what he did about why he missed it, but it's a pity he had to do it like that Ian Woosnam

Olazabal was impressed with the recent changes made to the Arnold Palmer-designed course and wary of the challenge ahead.

"There are a lot of new trees and you really need to play good golf around here now," he said.

The 40-year-old Spaniard, who will be playing in his seventh Ryder Cup, added they would also be having "a couple of beers" and taking in Woosnam's views on the coming match, which starts on 22 September.

European captain Woosnam is sure to reflect on Thomas Bjorn's criticism of his captaincy - criticism he is confident will make the team stronger.

Bjorn labelled Welshman "barmy" after he was overlooked for one of the two wildcards, which instead went to Clarke and Lee Westwood.

"It will make Lee and Darren more determined," said Woosnam. "Once we get to the Ryder Cup it will be put to bed.

Woosie's wildcards Clarke and Westwood are good friends

"Thomas has apologised and the next thing we've got to do is get back to Ireland and win the trophy."

Despite Bjorn's apology, his remarks led to questions being raised about Woosnam's perceived lack of communication with his players and his handling of the media.

And Woosnam accepts he did not come across well in his news conference on Sunday when he announced his two picks.

"I knew when I was standing there I was very nervous and I might not have come over very well," he added.

"Deep down I was upset because I had to leave someone out and I knew it was going to hurt Thomas and I knew I was going to get some criticism.

"He has his right to say what he did about why he missed it. But it's a pity he had to do it like that. I don't think I have to justify my position to anybody.

"There's 10 spots that are automatic and they were filled and I have to make the next two choices.