Team USA star's honest Ryder Cup admission is music to the ears of Team Europe

Ryder Cup debutant JJ Spaun has confessed he and his team-mates are "very nervous" before this week's clash with Europe at Bethpage Black, though he's found reassurance in advice from Justin Thomas. Spaun will make his maiden appearance in the competition following a breakthrough campaign for the 34-year-old, establishing himself as a consistent threat on the PGA Tour before claiming the U.S. Open in thrilling style at Oakmont in June.

The Californian has evolved from a tour veteran to an elite performer within 12 months, yet the Ryder Cup and its enormous pressure represents unexplored ground for Spaun. During his media briefing, Spaun acknowledged he was experiencing pre-match jitters as Friday's inaugural contests in Long Island draw nearer, though he's been reassured that the sensation is universal among all 24 competitors preparing for battle. "It's been great," Spaun remarked about his Ryder Cup initiation. "A lot of these guys have played multiple Ryder Cups. Just trying to pick their brains.

"It's a new arena for me, first national team appearance pretty much ever in my career. I just want to know how they feel, just so I can kind of get an estimation of how I'll most likely feel.

"But yeah, the common theme is, like, everyone is very nervous, so if you feel nervous, don't worry, everyone else is as well."

Spaun occupied 115th spot in the global rankings when the season commenced, but a remarkable surge - featuring second-place showings at The Players and the FedEx St. Jude Championship alongside his US Open victory - has catapulted him to sixth worldwide.

It's understandable that Spaun might feel somewhat uncertain about his position on golf's grandest stage consequently, but he disclosed that guidance and encouraging remarks from four-time Ryder Cup stalwart Thomas have proved priceless.

"I've talked to JT quite a bit, and he's like, 'You earned your spot on this team; don't feel like this is a handout or a pick. You have a major that a lot of us are very jealous of, and you deserve to be on this team.'

"I think hearing that has helped me feel like I fit in more as a core player than a rookie that is just trying to make some sort of impact. So I think that's huge for my confidence."

The Ryder Cup starts at Bethpage on Thursday, with Spaun and his colleagues charged with reclaiming the silverware following Europe's comprehensive triumph in Italy two years previously.

Spaun represents one of four debutants in Keegan Bradley's squad, with Cameron Young, Russell Henley and Ben Griffin also making their maiden Ryder Cup appearances.