Bjorn gambles by putting faith in his rookies on opening day

Rory McIlroy will take Danish rookie Thorbjorn Olesen under his wing in the second match of the day against world number one Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler.

It’s a feast of first-timers for the opening session of the Ryder Cup. They haven’t led after an opening session since 2006. Afternoon: Four foursomes beginning at 12.50pm.

The only time the USA led the match was after the 18 hole. “Europe’s putting pressure on themselves because we brought the cup over from the United States”.

Perhaps the most intriguing rookie partnership is that of Thorbjorn Olesen and Rory McIlroy. Players also have to switch on the tees, scoring is based on match play still, there is more tactics in this type of game which the Europeans have shown to be good at over the years.

The other three matches are coming right down to the wire.

Players have not discussed Brexit in the days leading up to the Ryder Cup. “He’ll go out in that match and he’s really, really – he’ll take it on and really enjoy it”. He celebrated with a double fist-pump.

The 23-year-old Rahm, the youngest player in the competition, will look to set the tone alongside the seasoned Rose in what is his fifth Ryder Cup.

RORY MCILROY WILL adopt a calmer tone for this week’s Ryder Cup than his emotional high-energy style from 2016, the four-time major victor saying today that he wants no repeat of an energy fade.

As is Jon Rahm, one of five rookies in the European team.

Jordan Spieth hit his first Ryder Cup blow on that first tee at Gleneagles and still remembers it fondly. Thomas’ birdie on 15 was the difference.

Meanwhile Ryder Cup got off to colourful start at a spectacular opening ceremony which was graced by top stars of the entertainment world. Koepka appeared shaken after hitting a fan with a drive at the seventh. 9 and 10 to go 2 up, but Europe won the next two to square the match.

Over the last decade in particular, the Ryder Cup has grown into a huge beast.

Teeing off with a 3-iron, Finau drove his ball to the edge of the water at No. 1, leading to a bogey. If that looks winnable, the challenge looks stacked in America’s favour thereafter.

The atmosphere was more akin to a soccer match as the day’s fourballs began with a smattering of partisan pantomime boos greeting the announcement of the American team.

The huge crowds and increased pressure are the significant factors with the first tee grandstand alone holding nearly 7,000 people with thousands more expected to line the area-style set-up around the first and second holes.

Europe tries to reclaim the trophy with a ninth win in 12 attempts, while the Americans seek their first win on European soil since 1993.

CBS’ Jim Nantz saw signs of Woods working his way back into contention at the Honda Classic last February in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, as well as The Memorial in Columbus and at the PGA Championship, where he finished two strokes behind Brooks Koepka.

“Tiger has spent so much time with Patrick and Jordan”.