Azinger enjoys underdog tag

Paul Azinger has used press conferences this week to ensure everyone knows his team are underdogs going into the Ryder Cup.

The US captain has called the opposition “incredible” and says he has been “marvelling” at the form of the European players.

“I know we’ll be a little bit of the underdogs going into these matches this week, but hopefully we can rise to the occasion and put on a good show,” Azinger said.

The European team are looking for a fourth consecutive win since Brookline 1999 but for the first time in that period go into the week as favourites.

It appears Azinger feels he can add pressure to Nick Faldo’s team in the hope that they crumble to defeat just as the Americans have in the last two meetings.

So, as team USA prepare to cause an upset we remember some of the most unlikely Ryder Cup surprises. 2006 The K Club: Olazabal bt Mickelson 2&1 Phil Mickelson will want to improve on his Ryder Cup record. In an event where the US were once again favourites, their number two lost comfortably to Jose Maria Olazabal.

2004 Oakland Hills: Europe 18.5-9.5 USA Montgomerie & Harrington upset American top two Mickelson & Woods in the first fourball on Friday morning and Europe go on to win by a record margin.

2002 The Belfry: Europe 15.5-12.5 USA Paul McGinley sinks an eight-footer for the cup as Sam Torrance’s team send the American favourites home empty-handed.

2002 The Belfry: Price bt Mickelson 3&2 Mickelson lost to rookie Philip Price in a vital match just before Paul McGinley sealed the surprise victory.

1999 Brookline: USA 14.5-13.5 Europe Favourites before the tournament, the USA went into the singles 10-6 behind. They won the first seven singles to complete an incredible comeback.

1995 Oak Hill: Europe 14.5-13.5 USA The European underdogs complete a remarkable win on the 18th green as Philip Walton scrapes home despite a late fight-back from Jay Haas. 1989 The Belfry: Azinger bt Ballesteros 1up The US captain is not new to being the underdog. He was on debut in 1989 when he beat Seve on the last in the opening singles match.

1987 Muirfield Village: Calcavecchia bt Faldo 1up The European captain has been on the receiving end as well and will surely remember being defeated by debutant Mark Calcavecchia.

1985 The Belfry: Europe 16.5-11.5 USA Europe win for the first time in 28 years as Sam Torrance holes an 18ft birdie putt against US Open champion Andy North to seal victory.

1929 Moortown Golf Club: Duncan bt Hagan 10&8 Arguably the shock of all time as George Duncan whitewashed the legendary Walter Hagan and Europe won the cup 7-5.