Ryder Cup 2018: Day one fourball pairings announced as Europe and USA prepare to do battle

Rory McIlroy and Thorbjorn Olesen will face world No.1 Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler

After a raucous opening ceremony defined by stirring speeches and average musical performances, Ryder Cup 2018 captains Thomas Bjorn and Jim Furyk announced their pairings for the fourballs that will open a weekend of intercontinental battling at Le Golf National.

In-form Brooks Koepka is paired with final wildcard selection Tony Finau in the first match, where they will play the high-powered duo of Justin Rose and Jon Rahm.

World No.1 Dustin Johnson and his close friend Rickie Fowler were paired with Rory McIlroy and Thorbjorn Olesen in a zinger of a match, and were delighted with the prospect.

"I'm very excited," said Johnson.

"We practised together the last three days. We're good buddies and we always spend a lot of time at home or even on the road. So we know each other pretty well."

Jordan Spieth will accompany Justin Thomas as they try to take down English pairing Paul Casey and Tyrell Hatton, while Tiger Woods is the headliner in match 4, where he will play with Patrick Reed in a tough tie with Open winner Francesco Molinari and another Englishman, Tommy Fleetwood.

The US team are favourites with the bookmakers but have been suffering with jet lag and illness ahead of a Ryder Cup that boasts more quality than in many a year.

Fourball pairings

1. Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau (US) vs Justin Rose and Jon Rahm (Europe). 
2. Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler (US) vs Rory McIlroy and Thorbjorn Olesen (Eur)
3. Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas (US) vs Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton (Eur)
4. Patrick Reed and Tiger Woods (US) vs Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood (Eur)

Tee times

• 08:10 - Match 1
• 08:25 - Match 2
• 08:40 - Match 3
• 08:55 - Match 4

Foursome pairings for the afternoon session will be announced on Friday.