After what seems like an eternity, the 2010 Ryder Cup day one, Friday morning fourball pairings have been announced.
Earlier today, European Captain Colin Montgomerie and US Captain Corey Pavin announced tomorrow’s pairings which will kick off 7:45am local time which equates to 2:45am ET.
Stinking time zone differences.. looks like it’s going to be a late one for everyone’s favorite golf blogger! 🙂
Bring on the coffee!
Here’s the United States vs. European pairings..
7:45 a.m/2:45 a.m. ET: Phil Mickelson & Dustin Johnson vs. Lee Westwood & Martin Kaymer
8:00 a.m/3:00 a.m ET: Stewart Cink & Matt Kuchar vs. Graeme McDowell & Rory McIlroy
8:15 a.m/3:15 a.m. ET: Steve Stricker & Tiger Woods vs. Ian Poulter & Ross Fisher
8:30 a.m/3:30 a.m. ET: Bubba Watson & Jeff Overton vs. Luke Donald & Padraig Harrington
Over at intothegrain.com John discusses the 2010 Ryder Cup Day One pairings and does a very good job of summarizing each team.
I was a little disappointed at the pairings, primarily because we don’t get to witness an early Tiger Woods – Rory McIlroy grudge match. In recent weeks, McIlroy has been outspoken about the opportunity to play in the 2010 Ryder Cup against Tiger Woods because, he hasn’t exactly been playing like himself.
“I would love to face him,” said McIlroy, who scored his first PGA Tour victory at Quail Hollow Championship. “Unless his game rapidly improves in the next month or so, I think anyone in the European team would fancy his chances against him.”
In response Tiger Woods simply said “Me too.” When asked to elaborate on the cryptic statement, he simply said, “no.”
Soon after, McIlroy tried to downplay his previous comments about Woods, pointing out that he said them the week following the Bridgestone Invitational where Tiger played the worst he’s ever played as a PGA Tour professional.
“So he wasn’t playing too well at that time, he’s obviously getting his game together, and he’s working with Sean Foley and making a few swing changes. I said this week and last week, I don’t mind who. I just want to win points against the team.”
Rumor has it that Tiger approached McIroy regarding the 2010 Ryder Cup and said to him, “Be careful what you wish for.”
Honestly, I’d be surprised if we see any Tiger-Rory pairing, it’d be awesome, but since it’s a blind draw each day, the chances aren’t too good.
But, it’s the Ryder Cup and anything can happen!
Oh, does anyone else find it amusing that Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are also sharing the cover of Tiger Woods 2011?