Team Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn has welcomed the chance for his players to take on Tiger Woods in the biennial tournament.

Woods returns to the USA’s Ryder Cup team for the first time in six years and Bjorn hopes his side step up to the challenge of facing the 14-time major winner.

“He brings so much greatness to the game of golf,” Bjorn told The Associated Press.

He added: “For such a big event you want big personalities, big profiles. I’m excited about seeing that American team. I’m excited about seeing Tiger back in the fold.”

Europe are 2.20 to win the Ryder Cup, the USA are 1.80 and a draw is 11.00. Bjorn has five rookies in his team – Thorbjorn Olesen, Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood and Alex Noren – and he is convinced they will rise to the challenge of playing in the Ryder Cup.

He said: “I think they’re a great bunch of guys and they’ve proven themselves on the world stage. “It’s their moment to shine. It’s their Ryder Cup.

“I’ve never met a player yet who doesn’t get surprised about how great it is. I think they all will react really well to it.”

Fleetwood is 17.00 to be the top combined points scorer and Noren is available at 29.00.

The USA won the tournament two years ago with a comprehensive 17-11 win in Minnesota but have not claimed a win in Europe since 1993.