Ryder Cup opening pairs revealed

McDowell and McIlroy are friends on and off the course

38th Ryder Cup
Venue: Celtic Manor, Newport Date: 1-3 October Starts: 0745 BST on Friday Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live & online, live text commentary online & daily highlights on BBC TWO. Live on Sky Sports 1

By Rob Hodgetts BBC Sport at Celtic Manor

England's Lee Westwood and Germany's Martin Kaymer will lead out Europe against USA's Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson in the opening match of the 38th Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.

Westwood, the world number three, has recovered from a calf injury and will partner the USPGA champion in the first fourball at 0745 BST on Friday.

Northern Irish duo Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell will play Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar, while England's Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher will take on Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker.

In the final group, European captain Colin Montgomerie has paired Padraig Harrington and Luke Donald against US rookies Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton.

ROB HODGETTS' BLOG Montgomerie seems happy enough so far with his rookies' ability to cope with the pressure of a Ryder Cup.

The USA, captained in this edition of the biennial match by Corey Pavin, are defending champions after winning 16.5-11.5 in Valhalla, Kentucky, in 2008.

"This is without question the proudest moment of my golfing career," said Montgomerie, 47, during a lavish opening ceremony in front if the Twenty Ten clubhouse at Celtic Manor.

"As an eight-time Ryder Cup player myself I can you tell there is nothing to compare with standing on the first tee with you, the fans, and an atmosphere that is truly indescribable.

"Now to the 12 men on this stage that I'm so proud to stand in front of as their captain, who will play the game with heart, passion and purpose. You earned your places with heart and dedication to the game. Your names will be written down into the rich history of the Ryder Cup forever.

He added: "To you, Corey, I wish you well and may the best team win. The true winner of the Ryder Cup will always be the game of golf."

Pavin, who played in the Ryder Cup in 1991, 1993 and 1995, is aiming to break a USA losing streak in Europe that goes back to 1993.

"It has been a pleasure to work with Colin for the past year and a half," he said. "I wish you the best of luck. You have a solid team and we expect the best from them.

Harrington reveals mentor role

He added: "I would like to turn my attention to Team USA. It has been a true pleasure to get to know all of you better and to share an experience that you will remember for the rest of your lives.

"You are all individuals that bring your immense talent and unique personalities to this team. I know each and every one of you will do your best to serve USA and compete hard for the Ryder Cup. I am very proud of each one of you."

Two years ago world number one Woods was missing after undergoing knee surgery as the Paul Azinger-led American side beat Nick Faldo's Europe for the first time since 1999 and only the second time in the last seven matches.

TWITTER UPDATES Who's now just a little bit excited? The atmosphere on the 1st tee will be awesome. I make it 3-1 to Europe. Can't work out how though. Rob Hodgetts at Celtic Manor

This year, Woods was forced to rely on a wildcard for the first time after missing out in the qualification race following five months off and a slump in form after a sex scandal and subsequent divorce.

"It's great to be a part of it," said the 34-year-old. "I tried to make the team on points, that didn't occur and was lucky enough to get a pick.

"I'm looking forward to getting out there and contributing and hopefully we can get this thing done."

Friday's opening four balls, where each player hits his own ball and the best score from each team counts, will follow at 15-minute intervals.

Monty reveals Seve's Ryder rallying call

Friday's afternoon foursomes - the alternate-shot format - will begin about 1315 BST.

Saturday will follow the same pattern before all 12 players go head-to-head in singles matches at 12-minute intervals from 1135 BST on Sunday.

Organisers are expecting up to 45,000 fans a day to visit the course on the banks of the River Usk near Newport.

The forecast, however, is for rain and strong winds on Friday with showers possible for the rest of the weekend and there is a concern that the matches may suffer delays and run into Monday.

Wales' First Minister Carwyn Jones said: "Wales welcomes this, the 38th Ryder Cup, and we're profoundly conscious of being host nation for this great competition.

"The next three days marks the culmination of nearly a decade of hard work since we won the bid in 2001.

"Can I simply wish both team the best of luck."

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