Ryder Cup Begins Play Today

By ESPN

The Ryder Cup will begin Friday morning with a strong matchup between Americans Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed and Europeans Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson.

Spieth and Reed were one of the few bright spots of the U.S. defeat at Gleneagles two years ago. Not only are Rose and Stenson a formidable European Ryder Cup team, but they finished 1-2 last month at the Olympic golf tournament. Stenson also is the reigning Open champion.

They will tee off at 8:35 a.m. ET in the foursomes format, better known as alternate shot, at Hazeltine National Golf Club.

The other matchups have Americans Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler against Europeans Rory McIlroy and Andy Sullivan (8:50 a.m.); Americans Jimmy Walker and Zach Johnson vs. Europeans Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer (9:05 a.m.); and Americans Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar against Europeans Thomas Pieters and Lee Westwood (9:20 a.m.).

There also will be four matches in the afternoon with pairings to be determined for the four-ball (best-ball) competition.

The same format will be in play Saturday, with 12 singles matches Sunday for a total of 28 points.

The U.S. needs 14½ points to regain the Cup, while Europe can retain it with 14.

Those sitting out the first session for the Americans will be Ryan Moore, J.B. Holmes, Brooks Koepka and Brandt Snedeker.

Sitting out the first session for the Europeans will be Matthew Fitzpatrick, Rafa Cabrera Bello, Chris Wood and Danny Willett.

The U.S. is trying to stop a three-tournament European Ryder Cup winning streak. Europe has also won six of the past seven Ryder Cups and eight of the past 10.