Lehman, who became known to many as ‘The Beast of Brookline’ after his behaviour there, missed out narrowly on a wild-card place in America’s team for this month’s Cup renewal at The Belfry.

But that did not stop him cranking up the war of words again, as he reflected on 1999 vice-captain Torrance’s observations that his antics did no credit to someone who is supposedly a ‘‘man of God’’.

Lehman said: ‘‘Those words were really uncalled for. I would have liked to have replied ‘take that and stick it where the sun don’t shine’.

‘‘I am telling you I couldn’t think of anything sweeter than to go over there, let my clubs do the talking, put the hammer on somebody, win the thing and celebrate on the 18th green right in front of their fans.’’

That will not happen, because Lehman has been discarded this time by America captain Curtis Strange in favour of Scott Verplank and Paul Azinger.

Scot Torrance responded by putting out a statement today which read: ‘‘Curtis and I are doing all we can to prepare our players for a great match at The Belfry.

‘‘We are 24 days away from the matches starting, and I’m positive I speak for Curtis as well as myself when I say that we expect the 34th Ryder Cup to be played with passion and pride in a sporting atmosphere with strong support, true and fair, from the fans in the best tradition of our game.

‘‘We are looking forward, not backwards - and I am not about to be deflected from my task by issues that as far as I’m concerned rest with the past.’’