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CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — U.S. and European players have been banned from using Twitter and other social networking sites during the Ryder Cup.

U.S. captain Corey Pavin and European counterpart Colin Montgomerie say there will be a blanket ban in place this week to keep players focused on the three-day competition, which begins Friday at Celtic Manor.

"We have decided as a whole to not tweet this week," Pavin said. "It can be a little bit distracting sometimes. I think it's important to focus on the Ryder Cup and playing the matches and just enjoying camaraderie with the team itself.

"But first thing a week from today, I'm sure tweeting will be all over the place."

Montgomerie also told his players to avoid Twitter and other sites and "focus on the job at hand this week."

"We feel that tweeting and Facebook and all of these social sites can get one's self into trouble," Montgomerie said. "On Monday, Oct. 4, yes, you'll find the team probably on social network sites. But not until then."

U.S. player Rickie Fowler confirmed his team's Twitter ban, tweeting on Monday: "Guys I'm sorry to inform you but the news is true ... we will not be allowed to tweet while we are in Wales ... Cpt's orders!!"

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.