Ryder Cup legend warns United States: "I can't see any other result"

Ryder Cup legend Sam Torrance believes Europe's "amazing rapport" will be the decisive factor in retaining the trophy at Bethpage Black.

Torrance was one of the mainstays of the European set-up that transformed the contest under the leadership of Tony Jacklin, who embraced the importance of a good team bond.

The Scot holed the winning putt for Europe in 1985 and was a member of three further victorious teams before he captained the side to another memorable Ryder Cup triumph at The Belfry in 2002.

Europe are frequently branded the underdogs heading into the showpiece due to the perceived superior talent of their American counterparts, but Torrance is adamant that the off-course bonding and togetherness is a stronger key to success.

That was the mantra introduced by Jacklin in the early 80s, and it's a blueprint that Torrance expects European captain Luke Donald will use to his advantage in New York next week.

"America always seems to have the strongest team on paper, but we seem to have the strongest team on the course, which is much more important," said Torrance in an interview with Lottoland.

"The European team has worked so well together over the years and built up this amazing, amazing rapport between them. Once you’ve played in it once, you want nothing more in your life than to play in it again.

"Bethpage Black is going to be difficult. Obviously, the crowd will be tough, it always is over there. But that’s just part of it. That kind of inspires you.

"The New Yorkers are tough. They’re great to play in front of. They’re a bit like the Scottish fans, they know so much about golf - a good shot is rewarded, and a bad shot is sometimes booed. 

"But that just comes out you know, it's no problem. You've hit a bad shot, you’re not going to get applause. You don’t care what they do, just make sure you don’t hit two bad ones in a row.

"I actually found playing in America a little bit easier than playing at home because there wasn’t really as much expectation on you. 

"Lee Trevino said a great thing at The Belfry when we beat them in ’85. He said, 'The only way to shut up the crowd is with birdies'. And it’s exactly the same for us when we’re over there at Bethpage Black. Just play great golf and see what comes out."

Asked if he was backing Europe to pull off the first away win in a Ryder Cup since the Miracle at Medinah in 2012, Torrance's response was emphatic, if a little "biased".

"Aye, to the day I die, I’ll never say anything else," he said. 

"Even if they were all playing with a broken leg, I’d still say they’re going to win. My heart is so in the European team. I can’t see any other result.

"So I’m slightly biased, might not be slightly wrong either."