RYDER CUP OPENING FOUR-BALL TIES

Westwood, Kaymer lead off for Europe

FROM THE EUROPEAN TOUR WEBSITE
Europe’s captain Colin Montgomerie revealed Lee Westwood asked to be in the opening match of The 2010 Ryder Cup, and "as reigning European No 1 deserves to be given that honour."
Westwood will partner rookie Martin Kaymer against World No 2 Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson in the Friday morning four-balls, with Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy – the other partnership Montgomerie considered sending out first – in the second match against Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar.
Ross Fisher and Ian Poulter are matched up with Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods in a mouth-watering clash, while Padraig Harrington and Luke Donald are in the final group against rookie duo Jeff Overton and Bubba Watson.

“These matches will be very close,” said Montgomerie. “The players and I are very excited and we are looking forward to it. It was always going to be either Lee and Martin or Rory and Graeme out first. Lee asked me if he could have that honour of hitting the first shot for Europe, and he deserves it.”

Asked whether he was surprised to see Woods in the third pairing, Montgomerie replied: “Yes, I was. I expected him to either be in the first or fourth group. But Corey has decided to hide him in the third group, if you like, and obviously Corey’s spoken to Tiger and Tiger is happy where is playing.

“Ian Poulter cannot wait for 8.15am tomorrow morning to get going against Tiger. That’s the match that jumps out. It’s going to be a difficult one as Tiger and Steve are two of the best putters in the game.
“I was also surprised to see two rookies in the last group. Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington would not have expected to be against two rookies.”
Like Montgomerie, United States Captain Corey Pavin intends to use all 12 players tomorrow and said Mickelson and Johnson cannot wait to get going.
“Phil and Dustin are playing great golf right now and love to play together, and I thought it was a great team to send out first. Phil likes to get out first and Dustin is champing at the bit. I think if I’d waited to play them they would go crazy waiting.”
Asked why Jim Furyk, a veteran of six Ryder Cups and Sunday’s winner of the Tour Championship and FedExCup which earned him $11million, was left out of the morning session, Pavin joked: “He said he was tired from counting all his money. Seriously, somebody has to sit out and that’s the decision a captain has to make. I have every intention of using all my players tomorrow.”
Both teams will enjoy a relaxing evening with their families tonight ahead of the first session. Montgomerie added: “Tonight Gaynor and I are delighted to be presenting each player and vice-captain with a special gift we have chosen for them. It’s an honour for Gaynor and me to do this.”