Nick Faldo, given the task of leading Europe against Paul Azinger’s America in Louisville, Kentucky, wants the accent put firmly on civility, not hostility,

in a contest that has had an increasing “edge” since Europe started to show the upper hand. Faldo, 49, said: “Paul and I ­actually flew together at the end of our ABC careers and started talking Ryder Cup.

“We spoke how we want it to be played, the functions, ­officially and unofficial. We’ve already talked about keeping things lighter.” It’s a far cry perhaps from the Europeans line ­dancing at Muirfield Village in 1987, when Europe won for the first time on American soil, or the camouflage team hats worn by American players in 1991.

Faldo seemed to hark back to a more genteel era when he said: “We are both furiously competitive on a golf course, but we want to be standing around together at a barbecue at the end of it having a pint.”

Sharing the same TV commentary box in America should help to keep a sense of perspective. Looking back to the milestone of 1987, Faldo said: “That was the foundation of what we have in our team.

“Guys came out and laid their hearts on their sleeves. It’s been happening ever since.”