• European and US captains look ahead to the 2018 contest at Le Golf National
• Press conference was part of the 2018 Year to Go celebrations

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Thomas Bjørn and Jim Furyk today held their first joint press conference as respective European and US Ryder Cup captains for The 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National.

Earlier in the day, the pair recreated history by hitting golf balls off the famous Eiffel Tower, 41 years after the legendary Arnold Palmer became the first – and only previous person – to do so.

Bjørn said: “The last two days have been everything that France is. It's shown everything that it can do, and ever since I was appointed, there's been a lot of conversations about we can deliver the best Ryder Cup ever.

"Well, we're off to some start, that's for sure. It's been amazing. European history is very special. It's very special to each country in Europe, and when you come to this country, there might not be a country in the world that has a greater history and has more pride in its own history and we certainly lived that the last few days.

"France has shown me that it's ready to take on one of the great sporting events in the world, and when we come as golfers and now as Ryder Cup Captains to a place to try and understand all the work and all the things that goes into hosting a Ryder Cup, it's really difficult until you start talking to people.

"We went to school yesterday and we saw kids on the golf course, and to realise that this country is now taking in so much to present themselves and deliver a Ryder Cup that all of the golfing world can be proud of.

Furyk said: “I'm absolutely blown away by the last two days to be honest with you. My gratitude, really, to Ryder Cup Europe, to the country of France for their hospitality, and what an amazing number of events.

"Last night we had dinner at the Palace of Versailles, an unbelievable, unbelievable night. This morning, breakfast at the residence of the President.

"Today, we got to emulate, got to hit the same shot that one of my idols, Arnold Palmer hit about 40 years ago. I can't imagine packing that all into two days. It's been a phenomenal, phenomenal two days.

"This could really be the most grand setting ever in Ryder Cup history. So to be a part of it, I feel very fortunate."

Le Golf National, France, will host The 2018 Ryder Cup from September 28-30, 2018, when Europe will try to regain the Ryder Cup following defeat at Hazeltine National last year. Bjørn’s team will be looking to extend an impressive winning record on home soil which stretches back to Valderrama in 1997.