Paul Waring relishing team environment in Abu Dhabi

Paul Waring is looking forward to being back in a team room for the first time in almost 18 years at this week's Team Cup.

The Englishman turned professional shortly after representing his country at the 2007 European Amateur Team Championship and came through the Qualifying School in the same year.

Since then he has played 334 DP World Tour events and enjoyed a career year in 2024, claiming a maiden Rolex Series title at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and earning dual membership with the PGA TOUR in the process.

Curently sat inside the qualification places, he is now aiming for a Ryder Cup debut at the age of 40 and this week's team match play contest betwen Great Britain & Ireland and Continental Europe with Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald looking on could further increase his chances.

"It's just amazing," he said. "I played solid last year. Obviously the win was the highlight but a lot of good golf behind that in the year to get me into that position to start off with.

"What a change I'm going to say one week makes. To obviously now represent my home nation in such a prestigious event leading into a Ryder Cup year... it's a dream come true.

"It's amazing to be back in the team room. It's amazing to be around lads that are pulling for you and part of the team and that bit of team spirit and trying to sort of bring everyone together as a whole and that sort of thing. It's a nice experience again.

"Golf is completely a sport on your own. The only person on the golf course really pulling for you is your caddie. To have another nine lads around you and their caddies and the backroom staff all wanting you to do your best this week, it's quite an uplifting experience."

While the vibe may be all jolly at the moment, Waring insists that Great Britain & Ireland mean business after losing 14½-10½ in the inaugural event two years ago.

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The 20 players will once again do battle over a session of fourballs, two sessions of foursomes and a singles session and Waring is eager to taste victory as he did twice in the Jacques Léglise Trophy over 20 years ago.

"It's a nice, jovial laugh at the moment, it really is," he said. "You're saying happy new year to all the lads, Continental Europe.

"Come the fourballs on Friday, that will all change. We probably won't say a word until Sunday night."

Another player making his Team Cup debut this week is Tom McKibbin, with the Northern Irishman the only player not from England to make Justin Rose's team.

He too has team experience from his amateur days and after targeting this event for the whole of last season, he cannot wait to get started.

"It's going to be a real competitive environment," he said. "We'll both want to be beating each other. I think Friday morning will be good.

"I'm excited. It was a goal of mine at are the start of last year to be part of this event.

"I haven't played any team golf as a pro. I played a little bit as an amateur so really excited to be part of a team and looking forward to the week."