Spain's Rafa Cabrera Bello admits he has an "impossible task" to live up to the achievements of his compatriots in the Ryder Cup, but is relishing the chance to make his own mark on the contest.
The likes of Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia have all played massive parts in Europe's recent success against the United States, with Darren Clarke's side seeking an unprecedented fourth straight victory at Hazeltine.
As one of six rookies on the team, Cabrera Bello might not be expected to play a major role when play gets under way on Friday, but the 32-year-old has impressed captain Darren Clarke in practice.
"I am comfortable, I am happy," said the world number 30, whose last European Tour victory came in 2012. "I know I'm a rookie but this is my 11th season as a pro. It's been my best year in my career so far.
"I'm glad that Darren can see that I feel comfortable, that I'm happy and that I'm ready to go, excited about the event and just pleased.
"Everything is new for me, but I don't feel a rookie in the worst part of the word. I don't feel so inexperienced. I don't feel like everything is new. I don't really feel like a new kid moving into a new city.
"I haven't played Hazeltine before, but I've played in the US in many events and I've played huge events in the US, as well. I'm glad that those memories and those experiences are helping me to stay calm and relaxed this week."
Cabrera Bello's first Ryder Cup memory is of Olazabal dancing on the 18th green at Muirfield Village after Europe's first win on US soil in 1987, Olazabal and Ballesteros having started their brilliant partnership with three wins out of four.
"I t's going to be impossible for me to fill Seve's or Ollie's shoes," he added. "I wouldn't want that task ahead of me. I'm just proud to know that a lot of great Spanish players have made the Ryder Cup, and now I am another one of them.
"But I don't expect to be paired with Sergio all the time and (to) even consider trying to beat Ollie's and Seve's record, because that would be a stupid task for me.
" I'm just going to play and I'm going to be available for whatever the captain decides that I am ready and that I am going to play, and just try to give my best on every shot that I give.
"I had the opportunity to play the Junior Ryder Cup in '99, so I watched Sergio and (Jesper) Parnevik play (at Brookline) and I really enjoyed that experience, even though Sunday wasn't great for us."
Source: PA
