Friday's morning foursomes pairings

LOUISVILLE--Three-plus days of on-site speculation can finally be put to rest, as can the pairing of Kentucky natives Kenny Perry and J.B. Holmes (at least for now). Here is the release of Friday's morning foursomes matches that will kick off the 37th Ryder Cup at Valhalla CC.

Pairings

*8:05 a.m.   *

Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim, U.S.

vs.

Padraig Harrington and Robert Karlsson, Europe

*8:20 a.m.   *

Justin Leonard and Hunter Mahan, U.S.

vs.

Henrik Stenson and Paul Casey, Europe

*8:35 a.m.    *

Stewart Cink and Chad Campbell, U.S.

vs.

Justin Rose and Ian Poulter, Europe

*8:50 a.m.    *

Kenny Perry and Jim Furyk, U.S.

vs.

Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia, Europe

Sitting: Ben Curtis, J.B. Holmes, Steve Stricker, Boo Weekley, U.S.

Soren Hansen, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Graeme McDowell, Oliver Wilson

Captains' comments

Paul Azinger, U.S.

Overall thoughts:

"The only thing I wasn't sure of was the order for the most part, but I was pretty secure as soon as I picked my four players that this was my first day [lineup]."

On putting only two rookies out in the morning (Azinger said all 12 players will compete Friday):

"Experience wasn't a factor in the way I put them out. I put them out based on what I felt is quality alternate-shot scenarios."

On his feelings before the start of the matches, after two years of preparation:

"I'm confident. I've enjoyed sharing this experience with a bunch of my close friends."

Nick Faldo, Europe

Overall thoughts:

"You can see the strengths. Henrik and Paul Casey, two guys who bomb it a mile. Rose and Poulter, very impressed with those two guys. I spoke to them yesterday, and their eyes came alive, so that was a nice moment for me. And bringing up the rear, a former partnership, and again, consistency of Lee and the passion of Sergio, I think you agree, that's a pretty strong four pairings."

"I'm loving every minute of this. This really is the best experience I've ever had insider, outside the ropes. This is the most special moment, week of my life right now, and we haven't even started yet."

On playing all 12 of his players Friday:

"This is an ongoing question, isn't it? We will see. We really will have to see. ... [I've] got go go with the flow, your gut reaction tomorrow morning on how things go. I'm not going to make any promises or assumptions or anything."

What's Europe's greatest weakness?

"Probably the cookies and the brownies. [Laughter.] No, the guys have been on good form. We know golf. We understand golf. We know where we start tomorrow. We start back at level ground with America, and we will do out utmost to move forward. That's really it."

-- Ryan Herrington