The Ryder Cup is officially underway -- and now we know who’ll kick off play in the Friday morning, alternate-shot style foursome pairings. After the Opening Ceremony concluded, USA captain Davis Love III and European captain Darren Clarke made the announcement of the eight players per team who will take to the course Friday morning -- and their playing competitors from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
For the Americans, the 2014 Cup’s most dynamic duo is back together once again. Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed -- the lone bright spot for the Stars and Stripes at Gleneagles — will match up together for the third straight international team competition. They’ll be expected to set the tone for the Americans on Friday morning, but they’ll have a stiff test.
They won’t be the only pairing worth keeping an eye on for the Americans in the morning. Phil Mickelson, fresh off starting this Ryder Cup like he ended the last, will pair up with Rickie Fowler to create a duo sure to elicit strong opinions. The two paired together for one session at the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, which they lost to Ian Poulter and Martin Kaymer.
Here’s the full slate of pairings for Friday morning (Eastern Time)
8:35 a.m.: Justin Rose & Henrik Stenson (EUR) vs. Jordan Spieth & Patrick Reed (USA)
8:50 a.m.: Phil Mickelson & Rickie Fowler (USA) vs. Rory McIlroy & Andy Sullivan (EUR)
9:05 a.m.: Sergio Garcia & Martin Kaymer (EUR) vs. Jimmy Walker & Zach Johnson (USA)
9:20 a.m.: Dustin Johnson & Matt Kuchar (USA) vs. Thomas Pieters & Lee Westwood (EUR)
