American Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson has played down suggestions his team will be better off without Tiger Woods.

The former world number one is missing this year's tournament at Gleneagles due to injury.

However, Woods has not had the best of records in the event in the past.

But Watson says there are a lot of attributes he has, that they will miss this week.

"He brings an element of intimidation, great play and competitive spirit. Even though he's not in the team, he's here in spirit," said Watson. 

The US have not won the tournament on foreign soil for 21 years but Europe's Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley says it would be dangerous to take that record for granted.

"The bottom line is this is a very strong American team. Favourite tag or not favourite tag is irrelevant as far as I'm concerned. We're going to have to play really well to win this Ryder Cup," said the Dubliner.