US look to ping pong

Funk is playing in the Ryder Cup for the first time

Pinball and table tennis are set to play a key role for the United States in their bid to wrest the Ryder Cup from Europe's grip.

The team's hotel has been fitted with numerous luxury items to make the players feel relaxed and at home.

"We've got pinball machines, ping pong and pool tables, even an arcade driving game. Plus a big screen television," said Ryder Cup rookie Fred Funk.

"And there's a lot of food. All the food and drink we could have in there."

Funk, 48, added: "It's going to be great when we get together there every night.

"Obviously it's going to get more intense the closer we get to Friday, but this week is going to be incredible."

It's a very stressful time for us.... we want to win this Phil Mickelson

Team-mate Phil Mickelson believes the US will start as underdogs against holders Europe, who have won three of the last four matches.

"It's a very stressful time for us," said the Masters champion. "We want to win this.

"But I have a real gut feeling this year that this is going to be different, that the US is going to come out really playing well on our home soil and play some of our best golf."

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