CHASKA, Minn. — Finally, after a week of speculation, the Ryder Cup pairings were revealed for Friday morning’s foursome (alternate shot) opening matches at Hazeltine.
At 8:35 a.m. (EDT), Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed play Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson; at 8:50 a.m., Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler play Rory McIlroy and Andy Sullivan; at 9:05 a.m., Jimmy Walker and Zach Johnson play Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer; and at 9:20 a.m., Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar play Thomas Pieters and Lee Westwood.
“The time has finally come,’’ U.S. captain Davis Love III said. “Every time I looked at this lineup, I got more and more excited about all four matches.’’
The cumulative record in foursomes of the eight who are playing for the U.S. is 8-15-10.
“This team has never played together before,’’ Love said, repeating his mantra of the entire week. “This is a new 12. We’re not looking at past records, we’re looking at [Friday] morning.’’
European captain Darren Clarke said he never had a doubt about who would lead off for Europe.
“Justin and Henrik are a very proven, successful Ryder Cup pairing,’’ he said. “[We’ve] got the Olympic champion and the Open champion. They were always going to be my choice for leading Europe off in this match. I’m very pleased to have them leading our attempt to retain The Ryder Cup.’’
Westwood, who is close friends with Clarke, having played together for years on Ryder Cups, quipped that he was “surprised’’ how “calm and sensible’’ Clarke has been as captain. “I’ve not seen this side to him before,’’ Westwood said.
Martin Kaymer, who’s won both a U.S. Open and a PGA Championship, was asked whether he cherishes the majors he’s won more or being a part of the 2012 Ryder Cup victory at Medinah, where he sank the winning putt.
“Well, 100 percent the Ryder Cup,’’ he said. “There’s nothing bigger. The majors, they’re kind of a selfish win. But the Ryder Cup putt includes hundreds of people. It’s like a religion.’’