Ryder Cup countdown

Armed police guard the course as part of the biggest security operation the Ryder Cup has ever seen

The scoreboard is prepared to welcome the massive crowd that is expected to visit the event this year

A groundsman works hard on making the sand look perfect at a bunker on the ninth hole

Great care and attention is also lavished on The Belfry's greens to have them at their peak

Europe's Jesper Parnevik tests out the rigours of the tenth hole

Rival captains Sam Torrance (Europe) and Curtis Strange (USA) give their pre-event views on Monday