So the choice of costume from a group of old friends from Jersey, Manchester, Southport and Worcester was perfectly apt as they arrived at Valhalla dressed like British Army survivors of the 19th century Anglo-Zulu War battle at Rorke's Drift.

In red military uniform jackets, pith helmets and false handlebar moustaches, Miles Cheetham, Lee Ransom and Graham Rushton from Manchester, Craig Butcher from Worcester, 'Sergeant' Phil Livingston from Jersey and Andy Thompson from Southport were only missing bayonets as they patrolled the first fairway at the start of the day's play.

As they gave their names, one said: "This sounds like the roll call of the ones that didn't make it", and some of them were even sporting bandages around their heads to give the theme its full dramatic effect.

"We're old friends from university," Butcher explained. "We went to Detroit four years ago when we dressed as medieval knights and city gents and we carried it on from there. But it's a different atmosphere from Oakland Hills. After yesterday this was the mood, like Rorke's Drift."

Butcher and his comrades had dressed as matadors on Friday and in British Army costume they managed to catch the eye again.

As they watched Padraig Harrington and Robert Karlsson prepare for the Swede's second shot at the first after a wayward drive from the Open and US PGA champion, captain Faldo swung his buggy in their direction and told them: "Come on chaps, the Empire needs you," before whizzing off to catch up with his players.

"Come on Nick, get 'em going!" a bandaged Rushton called back.

As Europe's leader disappeared towards the first green, Butcher promised a tribute to their captain on Sunday. "We'll be retro Faldo tomorrow with the old Pringle logo on the jerseys," he said.

With Westwood giving support to his team-mates from a buggy and confirming Faldo's explanation he had blisters but insisting he wanted to play, even "with my arm hanging off", the motif of outnumbered and embattled soldiers trying to hold off a massive army was complete.

Back at the first tee, American team captain Paul Azinger's stock was rising further after the USA's dominant opening day since Oak Hill 13 years ago.

As he arrived to see his players tee off, one shouted: "Zinger for President" but that may be a step too far, even for him.

Waving a hand back and forth across his throat, he gave a polite "No thank you" in response.

A few moments later he retold the incident to reporters, adding: "Politics is a dirty business."

Perhaps having had his team dine with former President George Bush snr last night, his comment carried some extra weight.