Paul Casey has warned people not to be fooled by the European team's smiling demeanour as they go in search of an eighth Ryder Cup win in the last ten contests.
Unity in the team room has often been seen as one of Europe's great strengths, with the past two captains Thomas Bjørn and Pádraig Harrington both citing Sergio Garcia's presence both off and on the course as a reason for making the Spaniard a captain's pick.
The scenes at the official photocalls and in practice of European team members laughing and joking certainly give the impression of a happy camp, but Casey insists that there is nothing laid back about the preparations to take on the United States and Europe will be all business come Friday morning.
"We are going to have a great time this week no matter what, it just ramps up," he said.
"I think maybe there are a few less smiles that are visible, that are showing, but we're still trying to have the time of our life and play amazing golf.
"I don't think it's a switch that flips. It wouldn't work, I don't think, if that were the case.
"The whole week we're very serious in our preparation. We are methodical, attention to detail. We try to leave no stone unturned because we know the margins are so small.
"You can look up World Rankings and all these things but we all know it could be down to one putt or a fraction of a shot every day that's going to make the difference.
"It's serious all week and I guess we probably try to maybe deflect a little in a way, having humour. I still think it will be there come tomorrow, it's just maybe not as visible."
Casey is playing in his fifth Ryder Cup - with three wins under his belt - and he believes the team room this week is as strong as he has seen it.
We're still trying to have the time of our life and play amazing golf
"The dynamic is brilliant," he said. "This team as a unified team is so strong. I mean, it's broad in its age range, the experience.
"I'm proud to be standing next to my 11 teammates and captains and vice captains. We have such a unified team going and Paddy has been a major role in that because you can have brilliant teams and maybe be slightly rudderless.
"I've been utterly impressed with Paddy's captaincy. His communication skills have been top notch and a relaxed air to everything we do but a serious approach at the same time.
"This is my fifth - it gets better and better every single time."
Casey's playing partner three years ago in Paris was Tyrrell Hatton, with the duo being defeated in the day one fourballs but hitting back on day two to take a point.
Hatton was just 12 when Casey made his Ryder Cup debut in 2004 and he is proud to have made a second consecutive team as he looks to establish his own legacy.
"The fact that I've made two teams now is good for me as an individual and how my own thought process kind of works," he said.
"Growing up watching the Ryder Cup and certain members on our team that you've idolised and now you're sharing a team room with them and obviously it makes it very special.
"Paris was an amazing experience. I was obviously pleased to make this Ryder Cup team to prove to myself that it wasn't like a one-off.
"It's a special team to be a part of and we're looking forward to the week ahead."
