Two years ago, five rookies accounted for eight points in the victory at Valderrama. In 1995, David Gilford won a key singles match and Philip Walton won the decisive match.

"They want it badly," James said. "They want to do well, want to win points. They want to be the next Ryder Cup superstars. Motivation is not a problem. I've got to de-motivate them so their heads don't explode."

The lone American rookie is Duval, who happens to be a four-time winner this year and No. 2 in the World Rankings.

"He a rookie in one sense, but I think it helps that he's played in Presidents Cups before," captain Ben Crenshaw said. "I think he's got a game that would be extremely effective on this golf course -- pretty darn well on any course."

Suspicious package
The bomb squad was called out when a blue knapsack was found unattended by the 16th tee. Brookline police chief Daniel O'Leary said the bag was examined by an explosive-sniffing dog and found to be innocuous.

The area around the tee was closed off 10-15 minutes, but most spectators and all of the golfers had no idea there was a potential problem.

"We have to be prepared for everything," O'Leary said. "This is a major event, and we've got a lot of contingency plans. We're looking for a happy, safe event."

Foot wedge
Colin Montgomerie's drive came to rest behind a tree on the 13th hole Wednesday during a best-ball practice session. He studied the shot and considered the options, as the gallery waited to see how he would escape such a mess.

Simple. With a swift swing of the leg, Montgomerie kicked his ball out of trouble and played his next one to the green, laughing all the way.

Captain Stewart
Payne Stewart always spends a week in Ireland to get ready for the British Open, and this year said he had become so popular in Waterville that he could run for mayor.

He'll have to settle for the next best thing.

On Wednesday, Stewart was named an honorary captain at Waterville Golf Club for 2000. It's the first time the club has bestowed such a title, and the first time a captain has come from the U.S. Ryder Cup team.

"On each visit he has won the hearts of our small village," said Jay Connolly, managing director of the Waterville House and Golf Links. "This is the highest honor we can bestow to thank him for his friendship."

There was no mention whether the honor would be rescinded if Europe doesn't return home with the Ryder Cup.

Divots