The Spanish star’s last involvement in the match was his crucial singles with Justin Leonard in Boston in 1999, the game that sparked a controversial invasion of the 17th green by American team members.

But the way he has played in America this season has reminded everybody of the talent which brought him two Masters titles and made him one half of the most successful pairing in cup history.

Between 1987 and 1993 Olazabal and Seve Ballesteros lost only two of their 15 games together.

While Ballesteros, now 48, is not even playing, his former partner has revived his career.

After losing his US Tour card the season he began writing to sponsors in America seeking a chance to play.

But that will not be necessary next year – he has had four top 10s in his last six starts, including a play-off the week before the Masters last month and third place in his last start, at the Houston Open.

He is up to 59th in the world and a good performance either this week or at next week’s BMW Championship at Wentworth should spare him having to qualify for next month’s US Open or July’s Open at St Andrews.

“I am really happy with how things are going,” said the 39-year-old. “I would love to be part of the Ryder Cup again and I will do the best I can to be in it.

“You miss it obviously and especially after seeing how good the boys played you miss it even more.”

Olazabal was asked by both Sam Torrance and Bernhard Langer to serve as an assistant in both 2002 and 2004.

He added: “I said ‘no’ because I just wanted to be there as a player. I never lost hope, you know. I knew that if I didn’t improve my driving or my game I would not be able to compete.

“I have not made any drastic changes. I have just hit the ball better. Simple as that.”