Day 1 four-ball schedule
Friday Four-Ball
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Match 1: Team USA's Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson vs. Team Europe's Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson, 2:35 a.m. ET
Michael Collins' analysis: This was the dangerous play by U.S. captain Tom Watson, putting Bubba Watson out first. Bubba's emotions could get away early if he's not playing as well as he wants. That's where Simpson and caddie Paul Tesori come in. For the European side, Stenson is the exact opposite, showing little emotion, which could work against that side. Pick: Match is halved.
USA: ½, Europe: ½
Match 2: Team USA's Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker vs. Team Europe's Martin Kaymer and Thomas Bjorn, 2:50 a.m. ET
Michael Collins' analysis: Kaymer was the hero at Medinah, making the 7-footer to secure the Ryder Cup. Unfortunately magic won't happen on Day 1 for the German. Bjorn, the media darling (where's the sarcasm font?) will play steady, but it won't be enough. Why? Because Fowler will play this like a major, and you know how he did this year in those events. Walker might be a Ryder Cup rookie, but the magnitude of the moment will not be too much for the 35-year-old to handle. USA wins.
USA: 1½, Europe: ½
Match 3: Team USA's Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed vs. Team Europe's Stephen Gallacher and Ian Poulter, 3:05 a.m. ET
Michael Collins' analysis: This is the match that will produce the biggest upset of the Ryder Cup. All the pressure is on the hometown boy Gallacher, and Poulter is expected to win every match against the Americans. What people don't know is that Spieth and Reed played together a few weeks ago and found they clicked. Their bond went unnoticed except for a couple of other Ryder Cup players who were told. Two rookies who like being out together with no pressure or expectations . . . starting to sound like an upset to you yet? USA wins.
USA: 2½, Europe: ½
Match 4: Team USA's Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson vs. Team Europe's Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy, 3:20 a.m. ET
Michael Collins' analysis: Let's just call it "Clash of the Titans," Ryder Cup style! Not much needs to be said here other than this match will probably come down to the final hole and be halved by birdies. Then we're all going to want to see a rematch. Think Ali vs. Frazier if the first fight was a draw. Match is halved.
USA: 3, Europe: 1
As the morning matches come to an end, the trick for European captain Paul McGinley will be not to panic as things don't start as planned, because in the afternoon . . . catch your breath first.
Sitting out, Team USA: Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar and Hunter Mahan.
Sitting out, Team Europe: Jamie Donaldson, Victor Dubuisson, Graeme McDowell and Lee Westwood
