DAVID Howell claims that if Europe can win this year’s Ryder Cup, it will be their greatest success in a decade.

With the eyes of the golfing world looking towards Hazeltine today, the Swindon ace, who was part of two European successes in 2004 and 2006, believes home advantage could well be the key for Davis Love III’s USA in what will be a narrow contest.

Despite wanting Europe to win, Howell admits it would take a lot for an inexperienced group to grab a win in Minnesota.

“I think it will be close but obviously, I hope we can win. We have a bit of a transitional team. If we do win this one, it will be our best victory for a decade,” said Howell.

“We have got more rookies and less experience in the team than we have had for quite some time. Those guys fully deserve it and are great players, but there is just more of them.

“It will be a challenge. Playing away from home is traditionally harder, so I think it will be a brilliant victory by us if we can make it.”

Darren Clarke’s team has a total of six rookies, including 22 year-old Matthew Fitzpatrick, with Howell citing this as a reason Europe aren’t the favourites. Despite the team being in a transitional state, the Broome Manor pro can’t see why the Europeans can’t spring a surprise.

“At Gleneagles two years ago, there was a strong sense we were going to do it,” he said.

“We can win. It’s down to how our young players stand up to the test and ultimately, how they play.

“The unsung heroes were how we used to win Ryder Cups. If we are going to win, it’ll come down to the new guys producing the glory.

“No-one is expecting us to win and that is when we are at our most dangerous.”