From walking into the ground on the first day the atmosphere was something I had only imagined ever experiencing. The hostility I felt as a member of the European team surprised me yet was nothing to what Monty was exposed to which I was shocked by.

In fact throughout the week I saw Monty through a different light and realised why he is one of the best players in the world and has been for so long. He is a world class player and during that week he brought me up to his level and I believe what I learnt from him has helped create me into the better player I am today.

The team spirit echoed by all members throughout the week is extraordinary and is something which I feel we all saw again at the Belfry last year. All team members and wives get together in a way not experienced on the tour at any other tournament. I was also fortunate enough to have my coach Adam with me which I found a great strength.

Aside from the atmosphere and team comradeship we were all there for the same one reason which was to win as many points as possible and take the Cup and bring it back to Europe. The matches were all mentally draining. We went into the Sunday singles ahead of the Americans with everything to play for.

Our team order was announced and I was thrilled having been selected to play in the final pair. I had won all my matches over the previous two days so I was confident, raring to get on that first tee and beat anyone I was up against.

Having lost the Cup to the Americans after starting the final day ahead was a huge disappointment. I have never experienced such a loss as part of a team and one I would never want to experience again. Whilst I was pleased with my own performance on the course - being joint top points scorer - the bottom line was as a team Europe had lost.

However what I took from that week both in terms of the experience as a golfer and the team spirit is something I will never forget whilst also being crucial in my development as a world class golfer.