AN inspirational message from legendary Scottish golf coach Bob Torrance will be the last thing Europe's players see before they tee off in the Ryder Cup.

Largs swing coach Torrance, the father of European vice-captain Sam, passed away after a long battle with cancer back in July.

But European skipper Paul McGinley, who worked with Bob early in his career, will use one of his favourite phrases to lift his team at Gleneagles this week.

"A quote from Bob Torrance is the last message they will see before they leave the locker room," said the Irishman. "Bob unfortunately passed away a couple of months ago. He used to say the same thing to all his players as they walked from the range to the first tee.

"He would shake your hand and say: 'Happiest days of your lives'. That is the quote, the last thing the players will see as they leave the locker room."

Europe will get their defence of the trophy underway at the PGA Centenary Course this Friday. With on-form stars like Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer in their ranks they are favourites to defeat the United States.

But McGinley has cautioned his side, who arrived at the Perthshire course yesterday, against over- confidence ahead of the three-day biennnial event.

He said: "We're slight favourites, not overwhelming favourites. We have been in this position before and have to embrace it. It's not something to be afraid of or ashamed of. The guys have worked very hard to be in the position that they are in.

"Having said that, I did a bit of a calculation when the two teams were formulated. Their team's average ranking position was 16 and ours was 18.

"This is not a weak American team. The teams are well balanced. We have a tough contest ahead of us.

"The favourite tag or not favourite tag is irrelevant as far as I am concerned. We are going to have to play really well to win this Ryder Cup."

American skipper Tom Watson has been unable to to select Jason Dufner, Dustin Johnson and Tiger Woods for his 12-man team.

But the five-time Open champion still has the likes of Rickie Fowler, Matt Kuchar, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson at his disposal.

He said: "The European team is loaded with good players. They have the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson.

"But when the matches start at 7.35am on Friday morning it is down to the quality of play. We will see who wins.

"Our team is totally committed to bringing the cup back. I'm going to do everything in my power to help them do that and set the stage for them."

Meanwhile, McGinley has revealed that Stephen Gallacher's missed cut in the Wales Open at Celtic Manor last week did not surprise him.

He said: "Stevie had a tough three weeks. I know what making your first team is like - especially when it is your home country. His mind is all over the place.

"He had two weeks off and in the middle of that his grandmother, who he was really close to, died. So he has had a pretty tough time in terms of getting his head straight.

"But he is buoyant. He will be a good addition to our team."