The five players who will form the vanguard of Bernhard Langer’s side were confirmed at the conclusion of the World Golf Championships – NEC Invitational as the leading five players from the Ryder Cup World Points List.

Ireland’s Harrington topped the qualifying table to earn his third Ryder Cup cap, following previous appearances in 1999 and 2002. His record stands as played seven, won three, lost three and halved three.

Spain’s Garcia, who in 1999 became the youngest player to compete in The Ryder Cup Matches, will also make a third successive appearance. Garcia has played every session since making his debut in 1999 with an impressive record of won six, lost three and halved one.

Ulsterman Clarke finished third in the qualifying table and will be making his fourth successive appearance in the biennial contest having been on the victorious European side in 1997 at Valderrama and 2002 at The De Vere Belfry, in addition to the losing side in 1999 at Brookline. Clarke’s individual record stands at played 12, won four, lost six and halved two.

Jiménez joins compatriot Garcia in the team for a second time after claiming the fourth spot in the qualifying list. Vice-captain in 1997 at Valderrama, Jiménez got a taste for the real thing and subsequently earned his first cap in 1999 at Brookline and returns to the fold once again on American soil. Jimenez played all five sessions on his first appearance, winning one, losing two and halving two of his ties.

The fifth qualifier was England’s Westwood who, like his close friend and stablemate Darren Clarke, will be making his fourth successive appearance in the Matches and is yet to miss a session in his three previous encounters with the United States. Of his 15 ties, Westwood has won seven, lost eight and is yet to register a half.

The European Team will be finalised at the conclusion of next week’s BMW International Open with the leading five players, not otherwise qualified, from the European Points List joining Clarke, Garcia, Harrington, Jimenez and Westwood. Bernhard Langer will then announce his two wild card picks to complete the 12 man line-up for The 2004 European Ryder Cup Team.