Tuesday 23 September 2014 14:46, UK
Thomas Bjorn says it is one of the biggest achievements of his glittering career to have made the 2014 Ryder Cup team on merit.
Bjorn has not been involved in a Ryder Cup, on the playing side of things at least, since 2002 having become the first player from Denmark to qualify five years earlier.
He was involved as a vice-captain in the wins at Celtic Manor in 2010 and Medinah two years ago, but readily admits showing the determination to get back into the team is something he is very proud of.
"It's been a while," Bjorn said. "Obviously I am delighted that I could make it here. It became a big thing over the summer and there was a lot of hard golf to be played to get in - this was an extremely difficult team to make on merit.
"I got off to that great start and it set the tone for the way I played this year. It was nice to walk in that locker room and actually see a golf bag with your name on it. From all the way down in my heart it feels good to be back.
"Last time I got pretty close to making the team, and played some pretty decent golf, and I honestly thought that might have been my last chance. I'm pushing on in age but I have been very determined with my golf.
"You get to a stage in your career when you are afraid of letting it go, and you find ways of getting round golf courses. I played really well at the back end of last year and have stayed focused on my golf, not what it could lead to.
There's no questions about why I am here, I've played the golf to get in the team and that makes for good confidence, and that's the most important thing - I am here for a reason.
"To come back into this team is one of the better achievements of my career. When I look at my teammates and see what kind of players are in this team, it's such a strong team and I am just delighted to be part of it on merit.
"There's no questions about why I am here, I've played the golf to get in the team and that makes for good confidence, and that's the most important thing - I am here for a reason.
"We come into a situation where we are meant to be slight favourites but we are well aware what we are up against.
"This is a great American team and a great American captain but the mood is good and we are looking forward to the next couple of days, get out and see the golf course, be relaxed and happy about what we are trying to do.
"It seems like it is a good group and the feeling is, as a 12, it's one of the best groups we have ever had. It makes for good company a good mood in the team room."
Bjorn also revealed the memory of Seve Ballesteros is again providing motivation for the team, just as it did on the final day of the 'Miracle at Medinah'.
The 2012 European team had images of Ballesteros on their bags and wore clothing in colours associated with him on the final day, when they memorably overcame a 10-6 deficit.
"Seve lives with us. He lives with the Ryder Cup more than anything, but he lives with us as a team. He's a huge inspiration to this team and he always will be," Bjorn added.
"For us as a tour and as players, he is the most inspirational guy that's ever been, and fortunately I was lucky enough to play with him and be around him when he played. You couldn't have a man that stood for more of what European golf is all about. He will live with us forever.
"There are quotes, there are pictures of him around, but that's because he deserves to be there. He deserves to be that person that inspires this team and inspires every golfer around the world. Seve is everything to European golf, and we will always remember that."
