All the pieces have to be in place. You've got to put a good product on the floor and back up what you're doing.

America probably have the edge just in the sheer numbers of club pros they have - some 28,000 versus 6,500 - and due to the climate and other factors they probably generally play to a slightly higher level but it's important we play our own game and don't get sucked into playing theirs.

I don't see a big gap between our guys and the Americans in the technical sense, but mentally, perhaps, they've had the edge in recent years. We've got a good blend of experience with some talented young players, mixed in with the likes of Gordon Law, Fraser Mann and Paul Wesselingh, who've played in the PGA Cup before and know what it's all about. If we can be strong mentally, I think we've got as good a chance as any.

There's no disputing it'll be a stiff test,

Both are Welshmen, and have played together so much that they know each other's game. I felt that this was the best situation for two rookies.

Both players are rookies, and I've only had the opportunity to watch them in our national Club Professional Championship and this week. They seem to have similar personalities and work well together.

We are starting with a blank piece of paper, as will be the Americans,

We're trying to look for some local talent. That can only be a positive thing as far as getting people out to watch.

I think it's safe to say they're (cable operators are) looking at it very, very seriously. There is definitely activity out there.

What I can expect is that Great Britain & Ireland, with six veterans, will be ready to play. Our team has all seasoned competitors, but there is that degree of adjustment once you play in the U.K. that may be the difference in how the Matches go. I have made it my duty to try to prepare those who have not played before in the U.K. and make the most use of our practice rounds. My job is not to motivate, but rather to help find those who want to play together and encourage all to play as a team.