Ryder Cup begins at Hazeltine amid frenzied atmosphere
The 41st Ryder Cup got under way at Hazeltine on Friday, with Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed up against Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose in a mouthwatering opening match.
After a frenzied build-up to the biennial event between the United States and Europe, the action finally began on a slightly foggy morning in front of a huge crowd surrounding the first tee.
The opening pairings for the foursomes – which see players take alternate shots with the same ball – were announced at Thursday’s opening ceremony.
Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler face Rory McIlroy and Andy Sullivan in match two, while match three pits Jimmy Walker and Zach Johnson against Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer.
Rounding off proceedings on Friday morning is a clash between Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar of the United States and the European duo of Lee Westwood and Thomas Pieters.
Justin Rose hits the first shot of the #RyderCup https://t.co/FFXJdDvqi7
— Ryder Cup Team EUR (@RyderCupEurope) September 30, 2016
Europe are seeking a record fourth win in succession, following their triumphs at Celtic Manor, Medinah and Gleneagles.
Yet the hosts start as favourites, with many observers highlighting a lack of experience in the European team, which features six rookies, as a potentially decisive factor.
Sullivan and Pieters were the only first-time Ryder Cup players in action on the opening morning, with Europe’s other rookies, plus Americans Ryan Moore and Brooks Koepka, made to wait for a taste of the action.
