Andy Sullivan, Bernd Wiesberger and Danny Willett were the first members of Team Europe to address the world’s media at the EURASIA CUP presented by DRB-HICOM, with all three quick to highlight the legendary spirit and camaraderie that has become the hallmark of European teams.
The three players are making their professional debuts in team competition for Europe this week, and have instantly been struck by the positive atmosphere emanating from the European team room, with the positive vibes driven by Captain Darren Clarke.
“It's been four years since I played team golf as an amateur at the Walker Cup, and it's an absolutely phenomenal experience,” said Sullivan, a three-time winner on the European Tour last season.
“You just go out there and give it absolutely everything." Andy Sullivan
“So I am really looking forward to the week, and even today with the boys, we were having a good laugh out there. There is a lot of camaraderie on the team. We are a young team and a bit of an inexperienced team, but at the same time we are a good team.”
Current ALSTOM Open de France champion Wiesberger concurred with his English team-mate.
“I think you can see that everybody is really excited to be here – not only start their individual seasons this week but also to play for Europe in a format that we don't have every week,” said the Austrian.
“We are individual players most of the weeks, so it's really good to come out here and be a part of the team environment, have fun in the team room and out on the course and push each other during the week. You could see that already in the first couple of holes we played in practice today. It's been fun so far.”
The Europeans are under no illusions about the scale of the task to become the first winners of the EURASIA CUP following the inaugural edition’s 10-10 tie at Glenmarie Golf and Country Club two years ago.
A strong Asian team, as well as sweltering, humid conditions, will be huge hurdles to overcome in Kuala Lumpur.
“As soon as you look at the Asian team you realise that they are going to be strong,” said Willett. “They have a good mix of youth and experience and will be great opponents. Most of the players we know from the Asian Tour, but even the guys we may not have heard of, you look at their records and realise they will be tough to beat. Also, the weather and heat will probably benefit the Asian players a little, so overall I think we’re going to see a pretty good contest.”
