Revived Tiger, No. 1 Rose spice up Ryder Cup showdown in France

A powerful American squad featuring nine major winners tries to end a 25-year drought in Europe at next week's 42nd Ryder Cup against a veteran-laden European team at France's Le Golf National.

Tiger Woods, a 14-time major winner back on form after spinal fusion surgery, and five-time major champion Phil Mickelson are joined by 10 of the world's 17 top-ranked players in a juggernaut US lineup for the biennial showdown.

World number one Justin Rose of Britain and four-time major winner Rory McIlroy anchor a Europe squad with five rookies and seven players who are 35 or older that will try to win back the trophy.

"Europe has as strong a team as we've ever had. So does the American team," Sweden's Henrik Stenson said. "So it's all set for possibly the greatest battle ever."
"The Ryder Cup is one event that maybe transcends golf," Rose said. "It really captures sports fans' attention as well as just golf's attention."
- Tiger creates a buzz -
========================
"He just brings something special," Denmark's Bjorn said. "The buzz with him being there and playing well, that just brings something extra. And that would be great for the Ryder Cup."
"I'm very excited about my team, and I have a lot of confidence in these players," Furyk said. "But each and every one of them knows the task ahead of us is going to be tough."
"It really is a thinkers golf course," Bjorn said. "It's a ball-striker's golf course as well. It just asks questions of everything in your game."
- Bringing the enthusiasm -
===========================
"Sergio has tons of experience in the Ryder Cup," Rose said. "Thomas is banking that he's going to bring that enthusiasm."