EUROPE'S Ryder Cup team has boarded their flight for the USA to prepare for the 2021 Ryder Cup.

Captain Padraig Harrington was pictured with the trophy along Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood. Lee Westwood was also present as they headed off to Wisconsin in matching outfits.

The European team hopes to keep the Ryder Cup trophy they won in France three years ago.

Although the tournament was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic for a year, it is now back on track.

Ian Poulter, an exasperated tweeter, wrote: "I wonder which week it is," then followed by a European flag Emoji and a trophy.

Westwood posted a similar message to his Twitter account.

Golf fans are excited by the photos of Team Europe shared on social media.

One fan commented, "What an amazing team. Twelve great players. Ryder Cup Europe, plus all the vice captains as well as Padraig Harrington. It's your chance to bring it home.

Another added: "Looking forward... Ryder Cup in my hand. All the best to you all.

One US supporter said, "I'm an American but there is no way that I can root against these guys."

They are the best thing about golf. Good luck fellas!"

Both the USA and Europe teams were named after Whistling Straits.

Steve Stricker's Team USA has no Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson.

Europe skipper Harrington, however, has signed in several in-form debutants for Europe. Justin Rose and Francesco Molinari are both out.