The American team emerge bright and early with world number one Tiger Woods finding the morning sun a tricky prospect

Unsurprisingly Tom Lehman pairs Woods with Jim Furyk as the US team begin their practice in calm conditions

Phil Mickelson and Chris DiMarco get to know the course and are expected to form a strong partnership once action begins

The US practice is briefly interrupted as a hare darts across the sixth green with Mickelson in hot pursuit

Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal feels the morning chill as the European team emerge in smart pink sweaters

Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie share a joke as they prepare to take part in European practice at the K Club

The jovial atmosphere amongst both teams is clearly evident as DiMarco greets Clarke during a break in preparation

US Ryder Cup rookie Brett Wetterich is paired with wild card Scott Verplank as the team continues to bond on the course

Huge crowds flock to the course to watch the stars in action with Irishman Padraig Harrington present at the driving range

Members of the US team wander to the 15th tee as the fine weather continues to benefit their preparations

Woods and Clarke embrace as the pair meet for the first time since Clarke's wife Heather died of cancer last month

Paul McGinley takes part in a warm-up match against Clarke who is paired with his old friend Lee Westwood

The Spanish pairing of Olazabal and Sergio Garcia looks set to be a strong partnership for European captain Ian Woosnam

England's David Howell joins forces with Montgomerie as Woosnam looks to find the perfect blend of golfing talent

Woods is mobbed by dozens of autograph hunters as he completes his practice on the County Kildare course