Nicks picks give food for thought
Nick Faldo may have made a meal of it but his “sandwich list” became his real list today – and it will be Padraig Harrington and Robert Karlsson who kick off Europe’s bid for an unprecedented fourth successive Ryder Cup victory at Valhalla.
Not, though, against Kentucky pair Kenny Perry and JB Holmes, but against Phil Mickelson and cup newcomer Anthony Kim.
Perry and Holmes are not a partnership at all – not for the opening foursomes at Valhalla at least.
The big-hitting but erratic Holmes sits out the session, while Perry takes over from the injured Tiger Woods as Jim Furyk’s partner.
They will play the “fearsome twosome” of Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood in the bottom match, American captain Paul Azinger being confident Furyk will be a part of the action after taking time out today to visit his wife Tabitha in hospital after she experienced neck pains.
Many thought Faldo would start with Garcia and Westwood, but he said: “It’s pretty tough to push a three-time major champion out of his seat.”
Harrington, of course, is the reigning Open and US PGA champion, while Karlsson won in Germany last Sunday.
Henrik Stenson and Paul Casey are in the second game against Justin Leonard and Hunter Mahan, while Justin Rose does not have to wait for his debut.
Rose partners controversial wildcard selection Ian Poulter, his close friend, against Stewart Cink and Chad Campbell.
The first match starts at 8.05am (1.05pm IrishTime), with the others following at 15-minute intervals. Afternoon fourballs begin at 12.45pm (5.45pm), with Faldo and Azinger handing in their pairings 45 minutes beforehand.
Resting during the morning for Europe are Miguel Angel Jimenez and rookies Graeme McDowell, Oliver Wilson and Soren Hansen. For the United States it is Ben Curtis, Holmes, Steve Stricker and Boo Weekley.
America have not won the opening session since Kiawah Island in 1991 and the last time they even shared it was 11 years ago at Valderrama.
In the last three matches fourballs have come first. Azinger, as the home captain, has changed that in the hope of improving matters.
Garcia and Westwood, though, bring with them two formidable records – both together and separately.
As a partnership in 2002 and 2004 they have played six, won four, halved one and have lost only to Woods and Davis Love in fourballs.
Garcia has a perfect eight victories from his eight foursomes, while, equally incredibly, Westwood has won his last 10 games – only two short of Arnold Palmer’s record unbeaten run in the event.
