Thursday, Sept. 23

BROOKLINE, Mass. -- One day to go and I think everyone on our team is ready. I don't think anyone is playing poorly and I would expect us to get off to a strong start in the morning's foursomes.

	Steve Pate (center) prepares for the Ryder Cup with Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods.

I like the make-up of these guys. Everyone is relaxed and we get along well. It's been a lot of fun, so far. It's a great group and when you look at each guy, well, the golf is pretty outstanding. Go down the list and I don't think there are many weaknesses, do you?

Tiger Woods: Come on. Do you need to say anything about him?

Mark O'Meara: He's somebody who has been here a lot. A very steady influence and one of the best putters ever.

Jim Furyk: He has a great short game, hits a lot of fairways, very steady. He'll give you a solid effort every time out.

Justin Leonard: A real steady player. You look at his record already, a British Open and almost another one this year, and it's a record that's going to get your attention. He's someone who is going to bring his best game every time.

Payne Stewart: Again, look at the record. Two U.S. Opens, a PGA Championship ... His game just demands respect out there. Plus he's probably as enthusiastic as anyone on this team about being here. He loves to have fun, but he'll be ready when he gets out on that course.

David Duval: Another guy that, well, why say anything? He's the type of player who can go out there and throw a 59 on you. I should know. He nailed me with it at the Hope. When he's on, there's a chance for birdie on every hole.

Jeff Maggert: A very steady player. He's one who is never out of a hole. Add that he won the World Match Play earlier this year and that has to help. At least I certainly hope it does.

Tom Lehman: Absolutely refuses to lose. Quiet, but he thrives on the competition. An in-your-face player who loves to go head-to-head.

Phil Mickelson: A player made of birdies. An unbelievable short game, which can be very irritating when you're going at him in match play. He gets up-and-down from some crazy places, which just demoralizes an opponent in match play.

Hal Sutton: A guy who doesn't miss a lot of shots. One of the best ball strikers out here. He's also not going to be intimidated by anyone.

Davis Love III: Has been a consistent, strong player for many years. No weaknesses in his game, which I think is getting better. As many of these as he has been in now, he's not going to get rattled or flustered by anything.

And then there's me. I'm healthy, which is something I'm not going to take for granted. I'm playing OK, but putting pretty good. I'm just ready to go. If I'm fortunate enough to get to play during the next couple of days, I'm going to get to it. I know one thing, though: I won't be coming over to The Country Club in a limo.