Chaska, Minnesota …

European Team captain Darren Clarke has elected to lead with his best by sending his team big guns – Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson – to fire the opening shots of the 2016 Ryder Cup.

The duo were first and second in the recent Rio Olympic Games and were set out first two years ago by Paul McGinley at Gleneagles.

And Europe was never behind with the Englishman and Swede handing out a 5 & 4 drubbing to Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson

And in a change from Gleneagles, today’s (FRD) morning session will be Foursomes or alternate shots, and as was the scenario four years ago at Medinah.

The then led USA Team were even after the 2012 opening Foursomes and won three of the Saturday morning Foursomes that set up their 10-6 lead going into the Singles.

However, the Star Spangled side didn’t count on losing to a ‘miracle’.

And if the former Captains Challenge is any yardstick then Europe could be headed into history with Europe wiping the floor with an 8 – nil thumping of the USA former captains in their 9-hole match on Wednesday afternoon.

Results

Colin Montgomerie & Tony Jacklin (EUR) def. Dave Stockton & Lanny Wadkins (USA), 4-up

Paul McGinley & Ian Woosnam (EUR) def. Ben Crenshaw & Hal Sutton (USA), 4–up

Total:  Europe 8, USA 0