RYDER Cup mum Sally Pearce will get her first look at Dublin's K Club today.

Yesterday the weather was wet and windy and while her son David Howell was having to brave the elements to practice his swing Mrs Pearce, like most of the other women in the Ryder Cup supporters club had her hair to think about.

For last night it was the gala dinner and Mrs Pearce and her husband Geoff, who live in Swindon, were among the lucky few with a ticket to the hottest event before a shot is taken in anger.

Mrs Pearce said from her hotel room in Dublin yesterday afternoon: "All of the women have been vying to get hair appointments.

"The gala dinner is a very special occasion and it is a chance to dress up. I didn't buy a special outfit this time but I already had something in my wardrobe."

Mrs Pearce and the rest of the Howell entourage that includes his father Ray, brother Ian and a selection of other relatives and close friends believe the European team can lift the cup again.

Two years ago Howell was a rookie with expectations on his shoulders but now the nation expects.

But his mum thinks he can deliver the goods.

She said: "It is a lot of pressure but he is not the sort to get too nervous.

"Since we have been here there has hardly been time to have a conversation with him but from what I understand everyone is in buoyant mood and all is going well."

Mrs Pearce flew out to Dublin on the same team as the players on Monday.

"It was quite exciting to be on the same plane and when we arrived at Dublin there was quite a crowd waiting to greet them."

Unlike in America two years ago the players' close family are staying at the same hotel as the players.

But last night's gala dinner was going to be Mrs Pearce's first chance to see her son since Monday. "We have had a couple of phone calls about boring things such as tickets but I am hoping we will at least be able to go over to the players' table and say a quick hello," she said.

Other friends and supporters from Broome Manor Golf Club in Swindon were expected to arrive in Ireland today.

Back at his home club members will be packed into the clubhouse from tomorrow morning to follow their most famous player's progress.

Howell grew up playing at the club and even those who are not making the journey will be supporting from a distance.

Another of his biggest fans, who is usually part of the travelling contingent, is Howell's grandmother Pamela Kempster from Swindon.

Mrs Pearce said her mother had been disappointed at not being able to make the journey because of ill health but would be watching every shot from home.

Another missing female from two years ago is Howell's former girlfriend Emily Doughty. The couple who shared a house together in Weybridge have gone their separate ways.

A person they are all sure is there in spirit is Jack Kempster who died 17 years ago but was a huge fan.