NORTHERN IRISH DUO Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell will kick off Europe’s defence of the Ryder Cup on Friday when they take on Americans Jim Furyk and Brandt Snedeker in the first of four foursomes.

Phil Mickelson will win a US record ninth cap when he goes out in the second tie with rookie Keegan Bradley, up against Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia who are unbeaten in four previous foursomes matches.

The third tie sees rookie Jason Dufner partner Zach Johnson against Europe’s most experienced campaigner Lee Westwood and Francesco Molinari of Italy.

In the morning anchor match Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker resume the winning partnership they formed two years ago against the English pair of Justin Rose and Ian Poulter.

The pairings for Friday morning’s opening foursomes in the 39th Ryder Cup between the United States and Europe:-

(Times are local which is GMT minus five)

0720 – Jim Furyk/Brandt Snedeker (USA) v Rory McIlroy/Graeme McDowell (Europe)

0735 – Phil Mickelson/Keegan Bradley (USA) v Luke Donald/Sergio Garcia (Europe)

0750 – Jason Dufner/Zach Johnson (USA) v Lee Westwood/Francesco Molinari (Europe)

0805 – Steve Stricker/Tiger Woods (USA) v Ian Poulter/Justin Rose (Europe)

Non-playing

United States: Dustin Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Webb Simpson, Bubba Watson

Europe: Nicolas Colsaerts, Paul Lawrie, Peter Hanson, Martin Kaymer

Fourballs to follow at 1205, 1220, 1235, 1250 (pairings announced after `foursomes finish)

- © AFP, 2012

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