Golf

A good start is imperative at the Ryder Cup and who better than two men from around these parts to lead the European defence of the trophy in Medinah.

Having both won major championships on American soil, leading the European charge will hold no fear for Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, who have been paired together in the opening foursomes this afternoon.

The Norn Iron duo - looking a little like a golf version of Men in Black's Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in the picture above - will face up against solid as a rock Jim Furyk and the incredibly competitive Brandt Snedeker, who earlier this week spoke about “beating the brains” of whatever European opponent he was going to come up against. Watch out Rory and Graeme!

That match-up means that spectators will be denied the much-anticipated clash between McIlroy and Tiger Woods for now at least, with Woods reprising a previously successful partnership with Steve Stricker in the final foursomes match of the first session against English pairing Ian Poulter and Justin Rose.

Sandwiched in between the first and last matches are the meetings of Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia against the American pairing of Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley, while Lee Westwood and Francesco Molinari will go head to head with Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson.

The action gets underway around 1.20pm Irish time this afternoon, so start combing that ass groove in the couch for the weekend, with plenty of thrills, spills and no little American whooping and hollering expected over the three days.

Ryder Cup tee times and pairings for Friday's opening foursomes (Irish time)

1:20pm Jim Furyk & Brandt Snedeker v Rory McIlroy & Graeme McDowell

1:35pm Phil Mickelson & Keegan Bradley v Luke Donald & Sergio Garcia

1:50pm Jason Dufner & Zach Johnson v Lee Westwood & Francesco Molinari

2:05pm Steve Stricker & Tiger Woods v Ian Poulter & Justin Rose