The golden couple: Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson set to open Ryder Cup against Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed
Europe’s Olympic pairing will face Americans Spieth and Reed in the opening foursomes match, a showdown of two unbeaten duos from the 2014 event
Europe’s Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson will face Americans Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed in Friday’s opening Ryder Cup foursomes match, a showdown of two unbeaten duos from the 2014 event.
Europe seeks an unprecedented fourth victory in a row over the host United States at Hazeltine. The Europeans have won six of the past seven and eight of the last 10 meetings in the biennial team golf rivalry.
“Justin and Henrik are a very proven, successful Ryder Cup pairing. Both very strong players,” Europe captain Darren Clarke said. “To lead off, they were always going to be my choice. That was never, never in doubt.”
Spieth, a two-time major winner, and Reed, who won respect for his fiery style when paired with fellow newcomer Spieth in 2014, won twice in four-ball and halved a foursomes match against Rose and Germany’s Martin Kaymer in Scotland.
“And then you have a guy that can handle that crowd and handle the pressure playing with him – two of their best players obviously. So I think I might watch that match right off the bat.”
Reed, who shushed European fans after making long putts, has longed for the chance to represent the USA on home soil that will come Friday morning.
“We liked Patrick getting out there first and getting started,” Love said. “He has just been talking so excited. He’s ready to go and fired up. We just felt like that first tee atmosphere just fit him and Jordan to get it kicked off.”
The second match in the opening session sends Americans Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler against Rory McIlroy, the world number three from Northern Ireland, and England’s Andy Sullivan, one of six newcomers to the Ryder Cup on the European squad.
Mickelson will match Nick Faldo with the most appearances in Ryder Cup history when he tees off in his 11th, with “Lefty” having done his in a row without being a captain’s pick.
Kaymer and Spain’s Sergio Garcia will play PGA Championship winner Jimmy Walker and two-time major champion Zach Johnson in the third match.
The final morning confrontation pits world number two Dustin Johnson, the reigning US Open champion, and Olympic bronze medallist Matt Kuchar of the United States against England’s Lee Westwood, in his 10th Cup, and Belgium’s Thomas Pieters, in his first.
Sitting out the first session for the US team will be J.B. Holmes, Brandt Snedeker and rookies Ryan Moore and Brooks Koepka.
Four four-ball matches will follow Friday afternoon with Saturday also offering four matches in each discipline ahead of Sunday’s 12 concluding singles matches.
Europe need only 14 of the 28 points on offer to retain the Cup while the US side must earn 14 1/2 to take the trophy.