Rose and Rahm to lead Europe charge
Although the Americans have assembled a side featuring nine major champions, Europe also have one of their strongest-ever outits, with Rose and Rahm looking like a potentially formidable pairing.
Koepka, who has won three times in his last six appearances at major tournaments, could have to shoulder the responsibility of hitting his team’s first tee shot in front of an intimidating 6,900-capacity grandstand.
“I think it’s a very good opportunity to kind of get a great start,” he said. “You know, you want to do it against their two best players, and that’s kind of how we’d love to do it.” World number two Rose won the $10 million Fedex Cup prize last Sunday, while Rahm will be hoping to continue a proud tradition of Spanish heroes in the Ryder Cup, after the feats of Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia in the past.
“We’re going to figure out a way to win the match,” Rose told Sky Sports.
Despite a relatively poor Ryder Cup record, with just two wins from 11 matches, Fowler is bullish about his chances with Johnson against four-time major champion Mcilroy and Olesen.
“I feel like (I’m) getting matched up against Rory in a lot of the team matches, I’ve played against him plenty,” said the 29-year-old, who is playing in his fourth Ryder Cup.
“I’m confident in my partner going head-to-head with those guys... It’s going to be a hardfought match.”
Good friends Spieth and Thomas will be strong favourites against Casey and Hatton.