NEWPORT, Wales (AP) — Four members of Europe’s Ryder Cup team are playing in the Wales Open this week, giving captain Paul McGinley a chance to assess their form heading into next week’s matches against the United States at Gleneagles.
England’s Lee Westwood, Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn and rookies Jamie Donaldson of Wales and Stephen Gallacher of Scotland are in the field at Celtic Manor, venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup.
McGinley said he planned to meet with the four players Wednesday night to brief them on what to expect at Gleneagles, Scotland.
He said this week’s Twenty Ten course has been set up to resemble the conditions at Gleneagles.
“It’s all about preparing them for next week’s examination paper in this week’s competitive environment,” he said. “Also they will get to do that in a very strong tournament and where the Ryder Cup has been held in the past.”
McGinley said he’s not concerned by the absence of French rookie Victor Dubuisson, who pulled out of the Wales Open to stay in France.
“I have no problem with Victor taking an extended break as he has proved in the past that it does not affect his performance when he gets back on the ground,” McGinley said. “He’s a guy who is ready and is keyed up for next week.”
Europe has won seven of the last Ryder Cups. With a lineup featuring Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson and Sergio Garcia, Europe will be heavily favored next week against Tom Watson’s U.S. team.
But McGinley, who played on three winning Ryder Cup teams, said his players are taking nothing for granted.
“If we don’t win this Ryder Cup it won’t be because of complacency and I can assure you of that,” he said. “It is not going to be about just turning up and see how the American team will roll over.”
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