Gleneagles, United Kingdom: World number one Rory McIlroy will have a chance to show Phil Mickelson how strong European teamwork can be in Friday morning’s opening fourball matches at the 40th Ryder Cup.
A day after Mickelson poked fun at British Open and PGA Championship winner McIlroy and his Northern Irish compatriot Graeme McDowell, they were paired against each other in one of the first matches of the US-Europe showdown at Gleneagles.
McIlroy and Spain’s third-ranked Sergio Garcia will face Mickelson, a five-time major winner, and Keegan Bradley.
On Wednesday, Mickelson was asked about US teamwork and replied, “Not only are we able to play together, we also don’t litigate against each other and that’s a real plus, I feel, heading into this week.”
The barb was in reference to a lawsuit by McIlroy against his former management company, one still used by good pal McDowell. Both players said the issue is behind them and they are better friends than ever off the course.
“You need to see how Rory and G-Mac are in the team room. They are very comfortable,” said 2012 Europe Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter. “There’s no animosity in there whatsoever. The guys are good. So I just have to laugh at the comment.
“I don’t think it’s a big factor. I don’t think mind games come into play. There are no personal vendettas. There are no grudges against anybody out there.”
Reigning Masters champion Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson will face England’s Justin Rose and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson in the opening match.
American Rickie Fowler and 35-year-old Ryder Cup newcomer Jimmy Walker will face Dane Thomas Bjorn and reigning US Open champion Martin Kaymer of Germany in the second match.
Rookies Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed were paired by US captain Tom Watson in the third match against Scotsman Stephen Gallacher, a Cup newcomer playing on home soil, and England’s Ian Poulter, the hero of Europe’s 2012 Ryder Cup victory.
Both Poulter and McIlroy were named as top targets by US skipper Watson and a triumph by the newcomers over Poulter would indeed boost US confidence.
“The fourballs are a good place for our three rookies to get their feet wet. They play every ball,” Watson said.
“I have told my team, especially the rookies, that they cheer just as loud here as in United States. You have to expect them to cheer when you miss putts, it is all part of the contest, all part of going to the ball game.
“The mood is loose and committed. The players have a certain swagger to them. They are thinking about 2012 and are going to make amends. I hope they do.”
