The two captains weren't the only ones interested in match-making yesterday. As a number of European players' practised on the putting green prior to heading out onto the course, a woman from Reading, just outside Boston, was sure she had found the ideal match for her daughter Melissa.

"I know nothing about golf," she explained, "but when I told my daughter I was coming to see the Ryder Cup, she said `make sure you see Sergio and Tiger Woods'. But, I'll tell you, that guy over there is far nicer."

The object of her affection was none other than Padraig Harrington. "What age is he?" she continued.

"28."

"Just perfect."

But when informed he was already married (to Caroline), she replied: "What a shame! He's gorgeous."