Rafa Cabrera Bello heads to Hazeltine for his Ryder Cup debut determined to enjoy the occasion and the pressure that the biennial match play contest brings with it.

Cabrera Bello has enjoyed a fantastic season on the European Tour, posting six top ten finishes and making the cut in all 15 appearances, and the athletic Spaniard is hoping that form can continue when he pulls on the blue and yellow of Europe for the first time as one of six rookies on Captain Darren Clarke’s team.

“It might be a bit of an intimidating atmosphere at the start, but we learn to deal with pressure as golfers and myself in particular, I really enjoy that feeling so I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t love the whole Ryder Cup experience,” he said.

“I’m so excited about it – it’s a dream come true for me. I’ve been watching videos of past Ryder Cups knowing that it will be me playing in this fantastic event this time.

“I think I know what to expect, but everyone has been saying that it’s more than what you could ever imagine, but it’s something that I’m really looking forward to and something that I’m going to embrace.”

The 32 year old has played a lot of golf this season, and although that has not affected his form, it did prompt Cabrera Bello to take some time off before his final event ahead of The Ryder Cup, the Italian Open.

“In the past few weeks I’ve had some time off because I needed to give my mind and body a little bit of rest,” explained Cabrera Bello.

“I’m now getting ready by playing in Italy, and raising my practice, and that will continue all the way until I make my debut.”

Given his current form (add finishing position from the Italian Open), and with close friend Sergio Garcia alongside him in Europe’s ranks, the surf-loving Spaniard will be hoping to ride the crest of a wave in Minnesota.