The opening Fourballs of the 2104 Ryder Cup has been announced:-

England’s Justin Rose tees off the first during a practice round this morning and now will have the distinction of leading off the 2014 Ryder Cup on Friday morning. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

World Number One McIlroy and Spain’s Garcia were kept till last in the opening Fourballs by Captain Paul McGinley and will take on Mickelson and Bradley, who won all three of their matches together at Medinah in 2012.

Another pairing from Chicago, two-time Masters Tournament champion Watson and wild card Simpson, will take on Rose and Stenson in the opening clash at 7:35am.

They will be followed in the second match by Fowler and Walker against Denmark-born Bjorn and Medinah hero Kaymer, and the US Open Champion.

The third match sees Spieth and Reed take on home favourite Gallacher – who lives just 35 miles from Gleneagles – and Europe’s Ryder Cup talisman Poulter, who has won 11 of his last 12 matches in the biennial contest.

USA Ryder Cup rookie Patrick Reed tees off Thursday as team mate Zach Johnson and vice-captain Steve Stricker (sitting on box) look on. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

McGinley’s decision means Graeme McDowell, Victor Dubuisson, Jamie Donaldson and wild card Lee Westwood will sit out the opening session, and also that all four European pairs have not played together in The Ryder Cup before.

“We have 12 strong players,” McGinley said.

“Arguably people will say there is strength at the top and strength at the bottom.

“Ian is with a guy who will enjoy the atmosphere Stevie will create with a Scottish following. Ian is looking forward to that role.

“I haven’t assessed what he (Watson) is doing. I really rate this American team and we will have to be on it if we are going to beat them. We’ve had continuity all week and we will be ready coming out of the blocks.”