Playing among legends; US, Europeans tee off today.

• Author: Ferguson, Doug
• Position: Sports

Byline: Doug Ferguson

GLENEAGLES, Scotland -- As if players don't already face enough pressure in the Ryder Cup, the walk into golf's most boisterous arena goes through a tunnel of time.

One side of the short tunnel is painted American red and celebrates past victories, with images of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, Paul Azinger and Ben Hogan. The other side is European blue with a roll call of winners that feature Tony Jacklin and Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and Bernhard Langer.

Emerging from the tunnel, players immediately see blue bunting on a three-story hospitality suite with the words, ''Where Legends are Forged.''

Take a breath.

They make their way to the first tee, where a U-shaped grandstand has 1,892 seats filled with fans who are chanting, singing and stomping.

This is no ordinary golf tournament.

''It's like walking into a football stadium,'' said Stephen Gallacher, who grew up near Gleneagles and has never seen the course looking like this. Not with fans 10-deep on both sides of the fairway, draped in flags of the European Union, the nine European countries represented, and yes, even the Stars and Stripes.

''That tunnel has got some iconic images through it, and you'll hear the crowd, you'll hear the noise,'' Justin Rose said.

''You really begin to sense that even on the practice range. The atmosphere really amps up. ... I can only imagine that by the time you walk to the tee, you're fully ready to go. There's absolutely no doubt.''

And there was one more touch to add inspiration to the home team.

From the first tee, players can't help but notice a message written across the back of the 50-foot grandstand behind the 18th green to the left. It's a quote from Seve Ballesteros, forever the face of European golf in the Ryder Cup.

''As a player and captain, there are unforgettable moments when you are competing for the people of your continent.''

Four long days of speculation and anticipation give way to the most frenetic three days in golf, starting with a tee shot unlike any other.

''It's definitely the most impressive first hole we play throughout...