Feeling nervous? With the clock ticking ever closer towards the big tee-off on Friday morning, Colin Montgomerie's European Ryder Cup team pose during a formal photograph session outside Cardiff Castle
As the smiles turn rictus in front of the lens, heir to the throne Prince Charles - not a known golf fan but the Prince of Wales no less - elicits more natural grins from the wives and girlfriends of the European Ryder Cup team
With the sun going down over south Wales, it is the turn of the wives and girlfriends of the United States Ryder Cup team - of radically varying heights - to take centre stage as they pose for yet more official photos
Finally a chance to sit down and unwind... the Ryder Cup protagonists have a slap-up meal with some notable dignitaries ahead of a big celebration 'Welcome to Wales' concert at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium
US Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin shake hands with European counterpart Colin Montgomerie, who insists his team are not banned from using the social networking tool Twitter during the tournament between 1-3 October
"An absolute honour to meet you," the Prince Charles is no doubt telling Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta Jones, who - along with nifty rugby union wingers, Tom Jones and lambswool - is one of Wales' most famous exports
British soldiers carefully deliver the coveted Ryder Cup trophy to the dazzling Millennium Stadium stage, no doubt ogled by both the players from the defending American team and their European challengers
An emotional moment for golf? A series of Welsh celebrities, including Dame Shirley Bassey and singer Katherine Jenkins, line up together to take a mock swing in front of their audience of multi-millionaire world-class stars
But the pre-tournament shenanigans will soon be over and the action upon us. Here is the 18th tee at the Celtic Manor course upon which Europe and the United States will fight for the biggest prize in team golf in the world
United States rookie Rickie Fowler was one of the first to tee off on the final practice day at the Twenty Ten course
World number one Tiger Woods (right) teed off later with Jim Furyk (left) and Steve Stricker (second left) - Dustin Johnson, who began earlier, joined the trio
Fans try to grab a good position to watch the golfers in action at Celtic Manor - the galleries are expected to be packed all three days - rain, hail or shine
The action has not even started yet and Europe's Ian Poulter is already pumped - team-mate Padraig Harrington (right) realises his gesture is probably tongue-in-cheek
Will Europe captain Colin Montgomerie pair Rory McIlroy (pictured) with Graeme McDowell for Friday's rounds? All will be revealed at Thursday's opening ceremony
His opposite number Corey Pavin has also kept his cards close to his chest - who will Tiger Woods partner? Will it be Steve Stricker?
But all was revealed at the opening ceremony - Europe captain Montgomerie announces that Lee Westwood will partner Martin Kaymer in the opening fourballs
They will kick off Europe's challenge against Phil Mickelson (right) and Dustin Johnson at the Twenty Ten course - Woods and Stricker will face Poulter and Ross Fisher
Wales singer Katherine Jenkins sang at what was a emotion-packed and speech-filled opening ceremony in front of a vast crowd at Celtic Manor
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