The pair met to take a look at the course, on the outskirts of Boston, where Europe will defend the trophy.

There have been calls for players to be paid for taking part in the three-day match, most notably from Mark O'Meara, the US Masters and British Open champion.

European skipper James dismissed the idea of payments as "greed" and added: "I just don't think it's necessary. A lot of players would give their right arm to have played in a Ryder Cup, let alone want to be paid for the privelege of doing it.

"The money that's generated from the matches is put to very good use. It goes to certain causes, to get grass-root interest in the game - teaching, inner-city golf and all sorts."

James was appointed as captain when Seve Ballesteros decided he did not want the job again after leading the team to victory at Valderrama last year.

Crenshaw has replaced Tom Kite in line with the Us policy of changing skippers for every match.

"The Ryder Cup is played for honour and for friendship and for rivalry and proving yourself in golf. No-one gets paid. You play for your team and your captain - it means quite a lot to the players," said Crenshaw.

James expects to have the strongest possible team at his disposal with Nick Faldo and Jesper Parnevik opting to play more in Europe next season in a bid to earn automatic places.

Brookline has a place in golf history with local amateur Francis Ouimet beating Harry Vardon and Ted Ray of Britain in a play-off to win the 1913 US Open.