Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose, who forged an impressive Ryder Cup alliance at Gleneagles two years ago, will spearhead the European assault at Hazeltine on Friday in the opening session of foursomes in the 41st staging of the biennial bout with the USA.
The European duo, who won three out of three in the pairs during the 2014 match, will contest the opening tie against the US double act of Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed. As rookies in 2014, Spieth and Reed flourished in each other’s company and were an unbeaten partnership in foursomes and fourballs.
Rory McIlroy was paired up with new recruit Andy Sullivan for a clash with Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler while experienced hands Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer were set to play Jimmy Walker and Zach Johnson.
In the anchor match, Lee Westwood, playing in his 10th Ryder Cup, was handed the role of nurturing Belgian rookie Thomas Pieters in a foursomes tussle with Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar.
41st Ryder Cup, USA v Europe, Hazeltine Golf Club, Chaska, Minnesota
Morning foursomes (Europe names first, all times GMT)
13.35 J Rose & H Stenson v J Spieth & P Reed
13.50 R McIlroy & A Sullivan v P Mickelson & R Fowler
14.05 S Garcia & M Kaymer v J Walker & Z Johnson
14.20 T Pieters & L Westwood v D Johnson & M Kuchar
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