Europe weather the storm

Europe's players braved the bad weather on the second day of official practice ahead of the Ryder Cup at the K Club.

Winds gusting to more than 40mph saw fans prevented from travelling to the course amid fears for their safety, and also kept the European and American teams from practising as scheduled.

Spectators were eventually allowed into the course at 10am and were rewarded for their patience with the appearance of the home side for at least nine holes of foursomes practice.

European captain Ian Woosnam revealed he had given his team the option to play or not, but was glad they had all agreed to head out onto the course.

"I can understand a lot of guys might not want to go out and ruin their swings but this might be the calmest day for a while," said the former world number one.

"One of the main reasons we came out is that 45,000 people had paid a lot of money to come and watch so I thought it was important we went at least to the practice ground, even if it was to just hit a few shots.

"I gave them the option and they all stepped up to the mark and I'm very pleased with that. They will all play nine holes and see what it's like.

"As a PR thing for us it was good to get out and sign a few autographs at least and show our face."