Seve Ballesteros has urged the Americans to put up a better fight when the Ryder Cup begins this week in Louisville or risk the world losing interest in the competition.
Up to a generation ago, the USA won regularly against what was then Britain and Ireland but the expanded European teams have become increasingly dominant in recent years and won by a margin of nine points at the K Club two years ago.
Ballesteros said: "We've won the last three events and the domination by the Europeans is very clear.
"In one way I'd like to see the Americans beating the Europeans, because we're beating the Americans so clearly at the moment that the Ryder Cup is losing interest.
"I wouldn't say the Americans don't want to compete, but if the victory is so one-sided then people from both sides of the Atlantic will lose interest."
Ballesteros, who captained the Europeans beaten by a single point in Spain in 1997, has given his backing to captain Nick Faldo's wild-card picks.
Faldo elected to leave out former Ryder Cup heroes Colin Montgomerie and Darren Clarke in favour of Paul Casey and Ian Poulter. Ballesteros said: "Every time a captain makes his two picks the controversy is there.
"If Nick decides to play Casey and Poulter, it's because he feels it's best for the team. Nick knows well the players and the game, and he's been part of the Ryder Cup on six or seven occasions.
"Poulter and Casey are two great champions and very good players. Both have played in the Seve Trophy before and they have the experience, so I don't see anything wrong with that.
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