What do DJ Spoony, Sir Ian Botham and George W Bush have in common? Quite apart from their shared interest in the art of spin — be it with records, a cricket ball or political propaganda — they can all claim to have been enlisted as cheerleaders in the Ryder Cup.

Of the event’s many curiosities, ranging from attendant wives to gala dinners and the throwing of golf shoes into the crowd, the captain’s need to provide his team with celebrity inspiration is perhaps the oddest. How do the players manage all year without Bill Clinton grinning at them from inside the ropes?

The captains are like politicians seeking the right image to endorse their campaign. Paul Azinger, it seems, has pulled off a coup for this week’s match in Kentucky. “I’m a big boxing fan, and the first night in Louisville, we’re going as a team to the Muhammad Ali Museum. Then we’ll meet him in person, which will be so cool,” he said.

You can tell a lot about a man from those they respect. Sam Torrance sought advice from Sir Alex Ferguson, a Scot from the old school. Ian Woosnam plumped for Beefy, one of the lads. At Brookline, Ben Crenshaw had Bush, a Republican presidential candidate who recited a speech from the Alamo. Never mind that America lost that particular battle. The players liked it, and overturned a four-point deficit the following day. Fred Couples wants actor Robin Williams for his Presidents Cup team. Colin Montgomerie, expected to lead Europe in 2014, doesn’t.

Nick Faldo’s choice for this week’s match reflects the youth of his charges. DJ Spoony, of Radio 1 fame, will be in charge of the music, as he was at Ian Poulter’s wedding, and the Iron Maiden drummer, Nicko McBrain, is expected to, well, play the drums. Montgomerie will be glad he’s not there. There was no more chance of him slipping into the trendy, figure-hugging uniforms Faldo is thought to have ordered than there was of him sitting behind a drum kit, Yonex visor on back to front. “Nicko’s probably going to come in maybe Thursday night, and just have a little tickle for us,” says Faldo. “It’ll be great. Just a bit of fun to keep us entertained.”

A couple of drum kits are expected to take their place in Europe’s team room alongside the dartboards, ping-pong tables and computer games. Nobody will be any good at it, but what the hell. “I wouldn’t say I’m Tico Torres \, but Father Christmas put a drum kit together for my son,” says Lee Westwood. “I can bash away as hard as the next man.”

If it all sounds a little too gimmicky, a bit immature for 12 grown men with the weight of a continent on their shoulders, that’s because it is. The Ryder Cup, a team event, is different from normal golf, and so are the players’ needs. “You learn a lot more than usual about the people you’re playing with,” says Westwood. “They open up more than they would at regular events. The wives are there, and it’s quite a relaxed atmosphere, which is what you want in the team room because it’s stressful out on the golf course.”

The wives, of course, are the Ryder Cup’s biggest sideshow. Whether they are to be known as Wags or Wabs (wives and birdies), they will be lined up in front of the cameras for the opening ceremony. Faldo is reported to have asked Valerie Bercher, from whom he was divorced two years ago, to assume the role of lady captain, which is another way of saying she has helped with the wardrobes. “She’s a pretty cool, chic lady and knows how to dress them well,” he said, although Irish designer Paul Costelloe, who kitted them out at the K Club in 2006, was expected to be the guiding hand.

Quite what the wives add to the occasion is unclear. Montgomerie has vowed to ban them if he becomes captain, although he said that when he was single. Westwood insists they have a calming effect. “They are important, especially when you go to an away match. It’s always nice to see a familiar, friendly face inside the ropes. If things are going well, it’s great. If things are going badly, it gives you a lift. That’s the nice thing. You have worked so hard all year to make the team, and you can share it with your wife.”

The quirks of the Ryder Cup are what set it apart. At how many majors is Michael Jordan to be found tramping the fairways? And don’t be surprised if Tiger Woods, complete with dodgy knee, becomes the biggest celebrity of all to make an appearance in Kentucky. It is a week for goosebumps.

Faldo has said he expects “chilling, inspirational stuff” from Spoony. Justin Rose, one of Europe’s four rookies, is less fussy. “As long as it’s loud, I don’t care,” says the Englishman, who has decided against bringing his guitar for what is in danger of becoming a jam session. “I’m not up to speed yet,” he confesses. “But, on Sunday night, when everyone’s had a few beers, I’m sure I won’t be scared of singing a bit of karaoke.” He should be warned that high standards were set two years ago. At the K Club, Jim Furyk was the American idol, pulling off a mean 50 Cent. This time, with McBrain and Spoony in the house, competition will be fierce.