An intriguing first morning of competition awaits the Celtic Manor as the Ryder Cup gets underway tomorrow.
A powerhouse opening match sees Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer play Phil Mickleson and Dustin Johnson. Westwood requested to play at the top and Colin Montgomery was pleased to have his best ranked pairing going out first.
“You’ve got to hit the ball sooner or later in this thing so you might as well hit it first,” said Westwood, “there is certainly an excitement and a keenness now to get going.”
The European line-ups were as expected. The all Northern Irish pair of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell play the second match against Stewart Cink – who Corey Pavin nearly forgot to introduce at the opening ceremony – and Matt Kuchar.
“Our team is very strong,” said McDowell, “it didn’t matter which way we put them out. Myself and Rory have a big game on our hands but we will be trying our best to get that point for Europe as soon as possible.”
Tiger Woods, despite everything, plays on the opening morning, partnering Steve Stricker against Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher. But his selection in the third match remained a mystery. Montgomery was surprised he was hidden away but Pavin said Woods was very happy to do any job his captain asked.
Three rookies go out for the Europeans, including Fisher, but the Englishman is relishing a big start against Woods. “It’s great – a dream come true. The draw is special and we are really pumped,” said Fisher, “we want to get out there are really give it to them.”
The final pairing brings two American rookies – another surprise for the European captain – Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton against two European wildcards, Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington.
“It’s obviously important that to get off to a good start,” said Harrington, “so hopefully our team mates do a good job ahead of us and we can back that up.”
Despite the Irishman’s struggles this season, he picked up form last week at the Vivendi Trophy in Paris. His partner Donald thinks he’s playing well enough to deserve a morning slot. “He’s an aggressive player who makes a lot of birdies,” said Donald, “I’m quite a consistent player who will keep the ball in play. Hopefully we’ve got a good balance there.”
A major factor tomorrow morning will be the weather. Very poor conditions are forecast and that could inhibit Corey Pavin’s decision to send out some big hitters, Bubba Watson among them. “I actually think it’s an advantage to the guys that are longer when it’s wet,” said Pavin, “it’s not going to roll into the rough – where they fly it is where it lands.”
Both camps seem to have relaxed close atmospheres. The Americans will share a barbeque this evening while Colin Montgomery has gifts to present to his team.
“It’s been a slow week but today was amazing,” said McIlroy, “the first tee tomorrow will be pumping.” All the bravado ends at 7.45am as the Ryder Cup finally begins.
