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European Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo says he will rely on input from his players to select his pairings to face the US in September.

The six-times major champion was regarded as a loner during his illustrious playing career but is eager to adopt a democratic strategy for his first stint in charge of the European team.

"When you get down to it, it's not so much about a 12-a-side match but all about how you get two guys to perform best against another two guys," Faldo said.

"So I will listen to the guys. I've got to understand what they want. It's no good me just putting 12 guys out the way I want it. I don't want to give the guys any surprises.

"Characters are important, equipment is important. There have been a few off-the-wall pairings that have worked in the past that came about on the week -- like Seve (Ballesteros) and Paul Way."

Ballesteros and Way won twice and halved once in their four matches together at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida in 1983.

"I got an inkling of this at the Seve Trophy," Faldo added, referring to the biennial competition where a Britain and Ireland team takes on Continental Europe.

"I thought I could just mix them up as I liked but the guys didn't want that.

"So I want to put two guys who are bonding well together and can inspire each other."

Faldo, who will have Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal as his vice-captain in September, accepts his own experience of playing in 11 Ryder Cups will be a significant factor.

"I have had some great partners over the years: Oosty (Peter Oosterhuis), Bernhard Langer, Woosie (Ian Woosnam) and then when I was wing-man (mentor) for Monty (Colin Montgomerie) and Lee (Westwood)," the 51-year-old Englishman said.

"Rookies may need someone solid with experience with them. Or I could pick two rookies, which has worked in the past, and just let them go. This is what is fun for me in doing the job."

The 37th Ryder Cup will take place at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky from September 19-21. Europe have won five of the last six editions.

Reuters