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Justin Armsden's blog

  • Story Highlights
  • Living Golf presenter Justin Armsden gives his thoughts on the world of golf
  • With Europe unbeaten since 1999, he asks do they want the Cup more?
  • Justin believes the U.S. team may benefit from Tiger's absence
  • He met Europe captain Nick Faldo who is trying to improve his "nasty" image
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By CNN's Justin Armsden
Sports anchor and correspondent
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LONDON, England (CNN) -- Hello and welcome to my first Living Golf blog.

CNN's Justin Armsden: "I still like the look of Europe to win a record fourth straight."

Each month I'll be taking you behind the scenes of the production of the Living Golf show -- from thoughts and travel tips, to places we visit; plus a few select pictures. I'll also throw in some thoughts on the biggest stories making headlines in the world of golf. So, it's a good month to tee off the blog with the Ryder Cup.

RYDER CUP

I covered it for the first time at The Belfry in England in 2002 and I was blown away by the atmosphere. It's so different from a British Open Championship or a general tour event where the crowds are relatively reserved when it comes to cheering. A Ryder Cup crowd is full of enthusiasm and adrenalin -- there is no better atmosphere in golf than the Ryder Cup.

EUROPEAN DOMINANCE

The USA haven't touched the trophy since 1999, the longest period they haven't won since the event started 81 years ago.

There are many schools of thought on why this is the case from a lack interest, to no team work, to Europe just wanting it more. Frankly, I lean towards Europe just wanting it more, with a point to prove about the strength of golf in Europe. It will be a much closer contest at Valhalla.

U.S. WITHOUT TIGER

I believe a Tiger-less team America will actually benefit from his absence. It is hard having the greatest player of a generation within the ranks and all the focus being on him while this is a team event.

Tiger and Phil Mickelson don't get along and the pair have never lived up to expectations when they're both in the team -- Mickelson might just enjoy being the most experienced Ryder Cup player in the team without his strokeplay nemesis alongside him.

And at least there won't be a danger of another Hal Sutton howler when the former U.S. Captain paired Tiger with Phil.

THE CAPTAINS

There are two very different personalities in the captains: the one once dubbed Nasty Nick Faldo is trying to re-brand himself as Mr Nice; while Paul Azinger has always been widely respected and liked.

But Faldo is Europe's most successful golfer ever with the best Ryder Cup points record too -- so at least he must know what he is doing by picking Ian Poulter as a wild card when many expected Darren Clarke to get the nod. Look at our profiles of the Europe team

Paul Azinger, an avid poker player, will not be shy when it comes to taking a risk to throw off Europe -- this is something I will be watching with interest. He started with two surprises in his four wild card picks -- JB Holmes and Chad Campbell who were both well down the list. Look at our profile of the U.S. team

Both teams have an interesting mix of rookies and solid performers but I still like the look of Europe to win a record fourth straight.

CATCHING UP WITH NICK IN PORTUGAL

I never interviewed Nick Faldo when he was playing his way to six major championships in the 80s and 90s. Back then he was widely disliked, as a man whose sole purpose was to win and he didn't care how far he distanced himself from people in the process. It appears he is a vastly different man now.

When we caught up at the Amendoeira Golf Resort in Portugal -- Faldo's latest course design work -- he was relaxed and in good spirits, and very patient with my golf game too!

When we were done speaking about the Ryder Cup we moved on to another subject. I asked him his thoughts on Arnold Palmer, for a Living Golf show we're doing with Palmer later in the year.

Faldo said every modern player could take a little from Palmer's ability to connect with the gallery and other players. I suggested he could have done the same when he was younger. I felt there was a hint in his response that he somewhat regrets the way he was, but would never openly admit it.

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Whatever your thoughts are about Faldo, his passion for golf is among the best. Just get him talking about the Faldo Junior Series, which helps groom the best young players. His Series is booked to take a group to Brazil later this year and I could tell he was excited about the opportunity, not just for them, but to be partly responsible for their growth.

Whatever your thoughts are about Faldo his knowledge of the game makes for an extremely engaging chat on the golf course -- at least for me anyway.

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