Golf: Woosie keen not to revisit the nightmare of 1999

Europe's captain Ian Woosnam is looking for a magic number from his Ryder Cup team today - 4. That is the number of points Europe need to retain the Ryder Cup - and win it for a fifth time in the last six matches.

However, Woosnam is determined his men will not make the same mistakes as Europe did in 1999, allowing America to hit back from a similar position and win. Europe were 10-6 ahead going into the final day's singles at Brookline and lost 14 to 13.

Woosnam felt that having players in his team who experienced 1999's disappointment would help avoid history repeating itself.

"Some of the guys from '99 are in the team, so that must help. Hopefully, we're not going to make that mistake again. All I want to do is reach the magic number.

"If we make it, I think I may retire! I'll need a year to recover, anyway."

Woosnam has an even greater aim. "We've won four out of four sessions so far and five out of five would be fantastic. I don't think it has been done before."

Europe have never won all five sessions - two days of fourballs and foursomes plus the final day of singles - but Woosnam's strategy of using all his 12 players on the first two days has paid off handsomely.

The Welshman is wary of the Americans' traditional strength on the final day, however, and will be urging his players not to get carried away.

"The Americans have always been strong in singles," Woosnam said.

"I will be talking to my players, I'm already talking to them. We've got to take every day individually.

"I know we want 14 points but it is a different day tomorrow and we have to take it like that."

While Woosnam has played all his men on each day, he has not loaded his team like rival Tom Lehman but rather fitted in players early who will get his side on a roll quickly.

"My strategy is Monty [Colin Montgomerie going out first] is a very quick player. He likes to get out there. Sergio Garcia is pretty quick as well, and I wanted to get those guys out there early and let them play their own game," said Woosnam.

"I'm sure Tom has had his own strategy - but I'm pleased with the draw," he added.

- REUTERS