Rose and Stenson to lead off for holders Europe

Reuters: Ryder Cups are known for being one of the most highly charged occasions in sport and the 41st edition is poised for an electrifying launch at Hazeltine National on Friday in the opening foursomes.

In a bid to give holders Europe a fast start to the biennial competition, Captain Darren Clarke will send out golfing heavyweights Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson first in a mouth-watering matchup.

Olympic champion Rose and British Open winner Stenson, who went 3-0 when paired together at Gleneagles two years ago, will face sizzling American duo Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed, two young guns who relish going toe-to-toe. Twice major winner Spieth and Reed, aged 23 and 26 respectively, formed an unbeaten partnership as rookies at the 2014 Ryder Cup in Scotland.