Belot: Cup course nearly there

Michael Belot, the 2012 Ryder Cup Director, says Medinah Country Club is almost ready to host the tournament now.

There are just over two months to go before the big tee-off in Illinois but organisers say the course is already in fantastic condition, stands are now being erected while hospitality tents, merchandises pavilions, restaurants and bars are being constructed in what will become the Ryder Cup village.

"The course is really in great shape and the Ryder Cup could be played in the next couple of weeks if we needed to," said Belot.

"Luckily, we still have until September and we're going to give it a little bit of a rest to make sure it's just in prime shape for the Ryder Cup for when all the best players in the world come to test it out."

Organisers expect Team Europe to be greeted by the most intimidating atmosphere in the history of the event.

Curtis Tyrrell, Medinah Course Operations Director, said: "Well I'm expecting the loudest Ryder Cup ever and that's saying a lot as I know they're all really loud.

"But I think the enthusiasm here is going to be elevated just a little bit. I think it's going to add pressure to the players on both sides just because it's going to be quite an arena and I think, ultimately, it will provide the USA with the home-field advantage they're looking for."

Already in championship condition, the famed No.3 course at Medinah has already staged three US Opens and two PGA Championships but this will be a major highlight in the club's history as well.

The tight, tree-lined course is being set up to pose a tough test.

"We're looking at green speeds somewhere between 12.5 and 13.5, right in that range," said Mike Scully, Medinah Country Club's head pro. "The leaves will be off the trees, it'll be beautiful Fall (Autumn) weather in Chicago and the golf course should be very firm and very fast."

The opening ceremony will be shown live on Sky on Thursday, September 27th before being followed with exclusive live coverage of the tournament itself from September 28-30.

Sky Bet currently make the USA 5/6 favourites to regain the trophy, with Europe the 5/4 outsiders. A 14-14 tie is priced up at 11/1.