Morning foursomes matches announced for Ryder Cup

The first four matches were announced for the Ryder Cuo during Thursday’s opening ceremony. The four matches will be played in the foursomes format, also known as alternate shot.

Let’s take a look at each match.

Match 1: Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed (USA) vs. Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose (EUR) at 7:35 a.m. local

Stenson and Rose led off two years ago, earning the first point to set a tone for a whooping of the U.S. However, Spieth and Reed are the top American duo. They should be pumped up and win.

Match 2: Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler (USA) vs. Rory McIlroy and Andy Sullivan (EUR) at 7:50 a.m.

Mickelson and Fowler have losing Ryder Cup records overall, with Fowler never winning a match. McIlroy is a solid ballstriker and suspect putter. Sullivan, a rookie, is a great putter and OK ballstriker. Expect McIlroy to carry Sullivan to a win.

Match 3: Zach Johnson and Jimmy Walker (USA) vs. Martin Kaymer and Sergio Garcia at 8:05 a.m.

This seems like a European pair that should work well together. Johnson hasn’t played well of late, and Walker was an afterthought at the Tour Championship. Europe should win.

Match 4: Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar (USA) vs. Thomas Pieters and Lee Westwood (EUR) at 8:20 a.m.

Johnson and Kuchar may well be an American powerhouse. They need to figure out how to get in the fairway, then they can take care of business. Thomas Pieters may get too emotional if he plays poorly to start. The U.S. should win.

Devil Ball Golf – Golf – Yahoo Sports