Rory McIlroy won’t be a popular fella at Bethpage Black this week. He’s the elder statesman of Team Europe. He’s spent much of the build-up talking trash. He’s skipped tournaments, turned down interviews and refused to back down from his claims that, essentially, he’s earned the right to do those things.

Twins Rasmus and Nicolai Hojgaard would occasionally switch classes in school and see how long it took for their teachers to figure out the ruse.

Ian Poulter, one of Europe's former Ryder Cup's greats, has been unable to resist a withering, foul-mouthed rant about the "utter stupidity" of US golf fans.

This longtime Ryder Cup agitator best days might be behind him, but he still has some trash talk left in the tank.

U.S. captain Keegan Bradley will likely ride the top guys for most of the tournament, which many past European captains have done with much success. Bethpage Black provides a physical challenge that will make it tough for most players to compete in all five sessions, but even if the majority of the top guys play in four, the U.S. should be good.