The European team are queueing up to play alongside Open and USPGA champion Padraig Harrington at Valhalla

Europe skipper Nick Faldo joins in the fun ahead of the Ryder Cup, feigning injury after shaking hands with burly American JB Holmes

The youngest player on the American team, 23-year-old Anthony Kim, remains calm as the start of the big event draws ever closer

An authentic Valhalla souvenir that may find its way to a popular internet auction site one day

Captain Paul Azinger issues a rallying cry as the American team pose for their official photo on the second day of practice at Valhalla

A European supporter proves that when it comes to colourful patriotism, the visitors can be as expressive as the Americans

The prize at stake at the weekend comes sharply into focus as the second day of full practice gets under way on Wednesday

Padraig Harrington, the double Open champion, is paired with fellow Irishman Graeme McDowell, a Ryder Cup rookie

The American team - ranked underdogs despite having home advantage - pose for an official team portrait

Among the American rookies is Anthony Kim, ranked number 10 in the world after a superb season on the PGA Tour

The European team, resplendent in pale blue for 2008, prepare to embark on the first day of practice on a sunny morning at Valhalla

Team Europe pose with their golf bags and look suitably relaxed - they are favourites after winning the last three contests

Captain Nick Faldo proudly displays the famous Samuel Ryder gold trophy that the teams will be competing for this week

Swede Henrik Stenson and England's Ian Poulter joke around with the trophy lid before practice

Poulter gives team-mate Lee Westwood a friendly massage as Europe pose for photos in dark blue tops

Even non-playing captain Faldo has his own bag - and he'll be praying stars like Sergio Garcia shine for Europe

Faldo gathers his men for a team talk at the Valhalla course in Kentucky, Louisville

England's Oliver Wilson makes his Ryder Cup debut - while Ireland's four-time Cup veteran Padraig Harrington has won two majors in 2008

The well-known colourful American patriotism is already in evidence on the opening day of practice in Kentucky

Phil Mickelson befriends the US young gun Anthony Kim, with sagacious coach, commentator and golf guru Butch Harmon

Members of the European team oblige the fanatical autograph hunters in the pleasant sunshine in Kentucky