Ready to battle European Ryder Cup team invades Boston Click here for more on this story Posted: Monday September 20, 1999 11:32 PM   Captains' comedy: Mark James (right) jokingly holds the trophy away from Ben Crenshaw. AP BOSTON (AP) -- The two Ryder Cup captains were posing for pictures on Monday when Ben Crenshaw reached over to put his hand on the little gold jug. European captain Mark James had other ideas, though. He pulled the trophy away from his American counterpart, giving both men and their audience a big chuckle. James was mostly joking, but the symbolism was clear: If Crenshaw wants to hold the Cup, his heavily favored Americans are going to have to win it this weekend at The Country Club. "So much has been made about who's favored. It doesn't matter," Crenshaw said. "Whoever is going to prevail is going to have the feel for this golf course. That is paramount. "You're talking about a series of 18-hole matches. You do anything you can to prepare, but it's very difficult to predict at all." A Concorde carrying most of the European team -- some were already in town -- arrived at Logan International Airport at about 10 a.m. on Monday. They were greeted by Gov. Paul Cellucci and Lt. Gov. Jane Swift and then escorted by state troopers to a waiting bus. Airport workers crowded the scene, first posing with the supersonic plane that usually lands in Boston only in emergencies -- the last was in 1996 -- then crowding the check-in area for the captains' news conference. James, Cup in tow, launched into a diplomatic stump speech that belied the importance of golf's most pressure-packed tournament. "While we would obviously like to bring the trophy home, or retain it, the main purpose is to enjoy the week," James said. Still, when he was done speaking, James took the Cup away, leaving Crenshaw to answer questions next to an empty pedestal where the trophy had rested. James said some of his players might "pop up" to the course to get their bearings. "Take a few putts. Have a look around," he said. "I don't think they'll be doing anything too stressful." The two teams will play practice rounds on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Play begins in earnest Friday with the first of two days of alternate-shot and best-ball matches. On Sunday, there will be a dozen 18-hole singles matches. One point is awarded for each victory, and a half-point for a draw, with the U.S. needing 14 1/2 points to win the cup; as defending champion, Europe would retain the cup if it ends in a 14-14 tie.   Related information Stories Americans feeling pressure to bring Cup home Europeans, Americans stage battle on legendary course Ryder Cup nearly a World War II casualty Multimedia Justin Leonard believes the versatility of the U.S. players makes for interesting pairings. (174 K) Tom Lehman says having the top players does not guarantee anything. (66 K) Davis Love III talks about how he's been feeling after his recovery. (108 K) Colin Montgomerie says it will be different without the old gang. (78 K) U.S. captain Ben Crenshaw talks about the natural setting of The Country Club. (156 K) Click here for the latest audio and video Search our site Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call 1-888-53-CNNSI. Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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