The Ryder Cup generates rivalry off the course almost as much as on it between Europe and the United States, for the WAGs' support is keenly monitored close to the greens.
Europe captain José María Olazábal poses with the European WAGs
In the build-up to the 39th Ryder Cup at the Medinah Country Club in Chicago, the players' spouses on both sides have been enjoying some quality time ahead of the action getting underway on Friday.
Ryder Cup European Team Couples Portraits
Ryder Cup European Team Couples Portraits(01 of49)
LOMBARD, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Graeme McDowell of Europe (L) poses with his girlfriend Kristin Stape and Rory McIlroy (R) for a portrait at the Ryder Cup host hotel prior to the start of the 39th Ryder Cup Gala on September 26, 2012 in Lombard, Illinois. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ryder Cup European Team Couples Portraits(02 of49)
LOMBARD, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Peter Hanson of Europe poses with his wife Sanna for a portrait at the Ryder Cup host hotel prior to the start of the 39th Ryder Cup Gala on September 26, 2012 in Lombard, Illinois. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ryder Cup European Team Couples Portraits(03 of49)
LOMBARD, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Lee Westwood of Europe poses with his wife Laurae for a portrait at the Ryder Cup host hotel prior to the start of the 39th Ryder Cup Gala on September 26, 2012 in Lombard, Illinois. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ryder Cup European Team Couples Portraits(04 of49)
LOMBARD, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Sergio Garcia (L) and Jose Maria Olazabal of Europe pose for a portrait at the Ryder Cup host hotel prior to the start of the 39th Ryder Cup Gala on September 26, 2012 in Lombard, Illinois. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ryder Cup European Team Couples Portraits(05 of49)
LOMBARD, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Ian Poulter of England of Europe poses with his wife Katie for a portrait at the Ryder Cup host hotel prior to the start of the 39th Ryder Cup Gala on September 26, 2012 in Lombard, Illinois. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ryder Cup European Team Couples Portraits(06 of49)
LOMBARD, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Paul Lawrie of Europe poses with his wife Marian for a portrait at the Ryder Cup host hotel prior to the start of the 39th Ryder Cup Gala on September 26, 2012 in Lombard, Illinois. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ryder Cup European Team Couples Portraits(07 of49)
LOMBARD, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Luke Donald of England of Europe poses with his wife Diane for a portrait at the Ryder Cup host hotel prior to the start of the 39th Ryder Cup Gala on September 26, 2012 in Lombard, Illinois. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ryder Cup European Team Couples Portraits(08 of49)
LOMBARD, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Francesco Molinari of Europe poses with his wife Valentina for a portrait at the Ryder Cup host hotel prior to the start of the 39th Ryder Cup Gala on September 26, 2012 in Lombard, Illinois. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ryder Cup European Team Couples Portraits(09 of49)
LOMBARD, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Justin Rose of Europe poses with his wife Kate for a portrait at the Ryder Cup host hotel prior to the start of the 39th Ryder Cup Gala on September 26, 2012 in Lombard, Illinois. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ryder Cup European Team Couples Portraits(10 of49)
LOMBARD, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Darren Clarke of Europe poses with his wife Alison for a portrait at the Ryder Cup host hotel prior to the start of the 39th Ryder Cup Gala on September 26, 2012 in Lombard, Illinois. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ryder Cup European Team Couples Portraits(11 of49)
LOMBARD, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Miguel Angel Jimenez of Europe poses with his girlfriend Susanne Styblo for a portrait at the Ryder Cup host hotel prior to the start of the 39th Ryder Cup Gala on September 26, 2012 in Lombard, Illinois. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ryder Cup European Team Couples Portraits(12 of49)
LOMBARD, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Graeme McDowell of Europe poses with his girlfriend Kristin Stape for a portrait at the Ryder Cup host hotel prior to the start of the 39th Ryder Cup Gala on September 26, 2012 in Lombard, Illinois. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ryder Cup European Team Couples Portraits(13 of49)
LOMBARD, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Paul McGinley of Europe poses with his wife Ally for a portrait at the Ryder Cup host hotel prior to the start of the 39th Ryder Cup Gala on September 26, 2012 in Lombard, Illinois. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ryder Cup European Team Couples Portraits(14 of49)
LOMBARD, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: (L-R) Martin Kaymer, Sergio Garcia and Nicolas Colsaerts of Europe pose for a portrait at the Ryder Cup host hotel prior to the start of the 39th Ryder Cup Gala on September 26, 2012 in Lombard, Illinois. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Ryder Cup European Team Couples Portraits(15 of49)
LOMBARD, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: (L-R) Nicolas Colsaerts, Sergio Garcia, Jose Maria Olazabal, Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer of Europe pose for a portrait at the Ryder Cup host hotel prior to the start of the 39th Ryder Cup Gala on September 26, 2012 in Lombard, Illinois. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(16 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: The European team players pose for a photograph with their wives and partners prior to the 39th Ryder Cup gala>> at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(17 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Matt Kuchar of the USA and his wife Sybi Kuchar attend the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(18 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Webb Simpson of the USA and his wife Dowd Simpson attend the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(19 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Brandt Snedeker of the USA and his wife Mandy Snedeker attend the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(20 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Zach Johnson of the USA and his wife Kim Johnson attend the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(21 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Dustin Johnson of the USA and his partner Amanda Cauder attend the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(22 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Jim Furyk of the USA and his partner Tabitha Furyk attend the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(23 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Keegan Bradley of the USA and his partner Jillian Stacey attend the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(24 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Jason Dufner of the USA and his wife Amanda Dufner attend the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(25 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Bubba Watson of the USA and his wife Angie Watson attend the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(26 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Sergio Garca of Europe attends the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(27 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Lee Westwood of Europe with his wife Laurae Westwood attend the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(28 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Rory McIlroy of Europe attends the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(29 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Ian Poulter of Europe and his wife Katie Poulter attend the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(30 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Paul Lawrie of Europe and his wife Marian Lawrie attend the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(31 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Justin Rose of Europe and his wife Kate Rose attend the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(32 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Luke Donald of Europe and his wife Diane Donald attend the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(33 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Graeme McDowell of Europe and his partner Kristin Stape attend the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(34 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Rory McIlroy tallks with Justin Timberlake during the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(35 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Tiger Woods of the USA tallks with Justin Timberlake during the 39th Ryder Cup gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(36 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Jose Maria Olazabal and Davis Love III with Justin Timberlake during the 39th Ryder Cup gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(37 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Tiger Woods of the USA enters the stage during the 39th Ryder Cup gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(38 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Chicago perform on stage during the 39th Ryder Cup gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(39 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Chicago perform on stage during the 39th Ryder Cup gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(40 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Conor Dwyer attends the 39th Ryder Cup gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(41 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Scottie and Larsa Pippin attend the 39th Ryder Cup gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(42 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Scottie and Larsa Pippin attend the 39th Ryder Cup gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(43 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Justin Timberlake attends the 39th Ryder Cup gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(44 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Tiger Woods of the USA tallks with Justin Timberlake during the 39th Ryder Cup gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(45 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Tiger Woods of the USA tallks with Justin Timberlake during the 39th Ryder Cup gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(46 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Tiger Woods of the USA enters the stage during the 39th Ryder Cup gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(47 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Jose Maria Olazabal and Davis Love III with Justin Timberlake during the 39th Ryder Cup gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(48 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: Rory McIlroy of Europe enters the stage during the 39th Ryder Cup Gala at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
39th Ryder Cup Gala(49 of49)
ROSEMONT, IL - SEPTEMBER 26: European Team captain Jose Maria Olazabal poses for a photograph with the European players wives and partners prior to the 39th Ryder Cup gala>> at Akoo Theatre at Rosemont on September 26, 2012 in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)