For Ryder Cup rookies Nicolai Højgaard and Robert MacIntyre, drawing inspiration from greats of European golf is a vital source of motivation as they prepare for the biggest moment of their careers.
Højgaard, the youngest member across both Team Europe and the U.S. Team at 22, has made a big impression in the game along with his twin brother Rasmus, combining to win six DP World Tour titles.
The Danish siblings played together at the Junior Ryder Cup in 2018, with Nicolai now making the next step in his career progression as the fourth player to represent his country in the biennial transatlantic team contest.
Joining him as one of four rookies in Luke Donald’s team at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club this week as Europe seek to reclaim the trophy is Robert MacIntyre, a fellow winner around the Rome-based venue at the DS Automobiles Italian Open.
Both players point to a new future for the hosts as a side, but it is a figure who has long been constant source of reference for players and captains alike that continues to carry great significance.
On Tuesday evening, a video of Europe's team room was posted on their social media, with Ryder Cup legend Seve Ballesteros prominent throughout.
Let Captain @LukeDonald take you inside the European team room 🇪🇺#TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/DoqELtU2kY
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 26, 2023
But it is perhaps, the inclusion of a locker for the great Spaniard, in which a short worn by him is hanging inside, that is the most poignant touch.
Reflecting on his first impressions of a Ryder Cup, Højgaard said: “It's a special week. You're sitting next to your idols and heroes and you're going out preparing for a big week.
"It's pretty cool to be here and preparing and being in the team room and seeing the stuff that goes behind it.
"That surprise Luke made yesterday with our shirts next to each other and then Seve's in the middle, it was special and emotional, and that's what this week is about."
That was a sentiment echoed by fellow two-time DP World Tour winner MacIntyre, who also cited fellow Scot and another past Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie as being an inspirational figure.
“Last night I spoke to Monty, and I mean, for a Scotsman, Monty was everything,” he said.
“Again, just a little bit before my time. But I mean, I've heard all about him. I've watched so many clips about him.
"There are just so many idols that have done so well in this tournament.
“But no, Monty has done everything in the game of golf.
“As a European, golfer, he's been an inspiration for many.”
