Match 1 – 12.10pm Irish time
Bryson DeChambeau & Justin Thomas (USA) v Jon Rahm & Tyrrell Hatton (Europe)
No surprise that Luke Donald stuck to the dynamic duo of Rahm and Hatton to lead the way after their impressive tie-up in Rome where they went 2-0 in their foursomes. Rahm and Hatton have since cemented that bond on their move to LIV. US captain Keegan Bradley talked of wanting “a spark” from the off, with DeChambeau – another LIV player – and JT tasked with igniting the home crowds.
Verdict: Europe.
Match 2 – 12.26pm
Scottie Scheffler & Russell Henley (USA) v Ludvig Aberg & Matt Fitzpatrick (Europe)
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Bit of a surprise here that Donald has split up the Aberg/Hovland partnership from Rome and has drafted in Fitzpatrick, who didn’t play a foursomes at all two years ago. The Scheffler/Henley pairing worked well in the Presidents Cup and has been retained for the higher-pressure Ryder Cup with the potential for plenty of birdies.
Verdict: USA.
Match 3 – 12.42pm
Collin Morikawa & Harris English (USA) v Rory McIlroy & Tommy Fleetwood (Europe)
It would seem to be advantage Europe in this one, with the high-powered foursomes pairing of McIlroy and Fleetwood – so impressive in Rome where they won two from two – again coming together. You didn’t need a crystal ball to foresee this one. Tough ask for Morikawa, struggling to find his form, and English.
Verdict: Europe.
Match 4 – 12.58pm
Patrick Cantlay & Xander Schauffele (USA) v Robert MacIntyre & Viktor Hovland (Europe)
In some ways a chance for redemption for the USA pairing of Cantlay and Schauffele, who lost both of their foursomes in Rome. Certainly, they would be surprised to find the Scottish/Norwegian combination as their opponents. Hovland claims to have found his swing on the range during the week. Looks like a bold move by Donald.
Verdict: Halved match.
