++ EUROPEAN TEAM ++
SEVE BALLESTEROS (Spain) - CAPTAIN
The legendary Ballesteros has won a total of 87 titles worldwide, including five Major championships – two US Masters and three British Opens. Voted European Golfer of the Century in 2000, he has appeared in 8 Ryder Cups and was the Captain of the winning 1997 European Team (when his “hands-on” approach and fanatical dedication to win made the ’97 event known as “Seve’s Ryder Cup”). His charisma and competitiveness helped turn the Ryder Cup matches into the most compelling viewing in world golf. One of history’s greatest players, the Spaniard revolutionized golf in Europe and inspired a generation of Europeans to international success. His passion and dynamism will be evident at the Royal Trophy.
DAVID HOWELL (England)
Thanks to his front-running defeat of Tiger Woods in November’s Champions tournament in China, David is now the leading player in the European Tour. Beating Tiger was a thoroughly deserved triumph for the Englishman who was one of the heroes of Europe’s record-breaking Ryder Cup victory over the United States at Oakland Hills in 2004.
PAUL MCGINLEY (Ireland)
Has had the distinction of holing the winning putt in the 34th Ryder Cup at The De Vere Belfry. His 10-footer on the 18th green secured the famous trophy for Europe. Paul enjoyed a sensational finish to the 2005 European Tour campaign when he came from behind to win the 2005 European Tour season ‘finale’ at Valderrama in Spain.
THOMAS BJORN (Denmark)
The winner of ten international titles, the Dane has three times finished second at the Majors (including the 2005 PGA Championship). The two-time Ryder Cup player for winning European teams also earned over 1.5 million euros in prize money in 2005. Bjorn has been one of the most consistent players in Europe over the past ten years
KENNETH FERRIE (England)
Claimed the biggest title of his career in July 2005 when he stood firm as others faltered at The K Club in Ireland to win the European Open. His first Tour title came in the 2003 Canarias Open de Espana.
HENRIK STENSON (Sweden)
Two-time winner in the European Tour, the charismatic Swede earned over 1.5 million euros in prize money in the 2005 European Tour season. The 29-year-old is seen by many as one of the European players with brightest future.
GRAEME MCDOWELL (Northern Ireland)
One of the most successful players in the history of United States Collegiate golf (played for University of Alabama), the young player from Northern Ireland has already won two European Tour titles.
IAN WOOSNAM (Wales) – Captain Selection
Two-time winner of the European Tour Order of Merit, Woosnam joined the greats of the game when he won the Masters Tournament at Augusta National in 1991. The winner of 44 titles worldwide and 8-time Ryder Cup player for Europe, he was named as the Captain to lead the 2006 European Ryder Cup Team at The K Club, Ireland. Woosnam knows throughout the world of golf as a gusty competitor.
NICK FALDO (England) – Captain Selection
One of the greatest players of all time, Faldo has won a total of 43 titles worldwide, including six Major championships – three US Masters and three British Opens. Twice winner of the European Tour Order of Merit, three times European Player of the Year, 1990 US PGA Player of the Year and one of Britain’s greatest sports celebrities in history. Faldo has also appeared in a record 11 Ryder Cups and has the honour of being the all-time leading point scorer for Europe. He has been appointed captain of the European Team for the 37th Ryder Cup in Kentucky, in 2008.
GOLF : THE ROYAL TROPHY Europe VS. Asia Golf Championship 
