STEPHEN Gallacher was on the end of a 5 and 4 thrashing but insists he will cherish his Ryder Cup debut for the rest of his life.

Gallacher and playing partner Ian Poulter were hammered by rookie rivals Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed in the morning fourballs yesterday.

But the Bathgate man, the only Scot in the European team, was given a tremendous reception by the huge galleries here at Gleneagles.

"It was tremendous," he said. "It is something that I will always remember as long as I live.

"The first tee was magic, just exactly what I was expecting. And the fans were fantastic the whole way around.

"It was just a shame we didn't manage to repay them by getting some birdies and doing better in our match."

Gallacher, one of Paul McGinley's three wild card selections, admitted it took him time to get to grips with the intense atmosphere.

But the 39-year-old is hopeful the huge crowds will help him and his team as the biennial competition reaches a thrilling climax this weekend.

"Obviously, there was a fair bit of excitement," he admitted. "I didn't know what to expect. It took me five or six holes to get into it.

"It took me time to settle and get into a rhythm and when I did I didn't really hole any putts. In the fourball format you have to make birdies.

"We were a bit shy in that respect and that is why we ended up losing so heavily. It was very disappointing.

"But I would rather have the fans cheering for my team than against my team.

"I don't feel any more pressure being a Scot. There are nerves.

"But that is the case any time that you play. It just didn't work out for me.

"When I started to play well I didn't capitalise on it by holing any putts. But it is a team game. There are 11 other guys on the team. It is not just down to me.

"I know the fans will be there cheering us on for the next couple of days and I am sure they will be like a 13th man for us."

Gallacher and Poulter were both left out of the afternoon foursomes matches by European skipper McGinley after their disappointing display. But the duo revealed they had been told before they teed off they would sit out the second round of games on the PGA Centenary Course.

"I'm not disappointed at all," said Gallacher. "There were some fresh guys champing at the bit ready to go out and do their part.

"It's ultimately down to Paul and what he sees fit. Everybody in the European team has got a role to play here this week."

Poulter was the European hero when the Ryder Cup was played at Medinah two years ago but he has struggled this season.

He had to rely on a pick by McGinley to make the side this time around and failed to justify his selection in his first outing.

But the colourful competitor is confident that will change today and tomorrow.

Poulter said: "My record in this event has been pretty good. I can shrug off the defeat and look forward with confidence.

"But this is a team game. They have to beat all 12 of us. It's not a case of them singling one or two guys out.

"What matters is us digging in as a team and that is exactly what we will do. Personally, I just need to hole a few more putts.

"I left a few putts short. It was very frustrating. But this is a very strong European team and we will fight to the very end.

"It's very difficult to play in five matches in the Ryder Cup. Guys have to sit and rest. That helps to keep the team as fresh as possible.

"Everyone will get a good amount of games. I knew I wasn't going to play all five matches and didn't want to play all five matches.

"Not many people have been able to play five and win five. There is a reason for that. It is very tiring."