The Albany Gazette - DeChambeau-Thomas to face Rahm-Hatton in Ryder Cup opener

The clash will help to build an electric atmosphere with President Donald Trump set to attend day one of the showdown at Bethpage Black, where more than 50,000 spectators are anticipated.

US captain Keegan Bradley and Europe captain Luke Donald turned in their four twosomes pairings in order without knowing what picks their rival had made.

Friday's first foursomes match will begin at 7:10 a.m. local time (1110 GMT) with two-time major winners Thomas and DeChambeau against two-time major winner Rahm of Spain and England's Hatton.

The European duo and DeChambeau all play in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League.

Following the foursomes will be Americans Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley, the world number one and world number three respectively, against Sweden's Ludvig Aberg and England's Matt Fitzpatrick.

The third match sends second-ranked Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and England's Tommy Fleetwood against Americans Harris English and Collin Morikawa.

The last morning foursomes matchup sends Scotland's Robert MacIntyre and Norway's Viktor Hovland against Americans Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele.

Four four-ball matches will begin in the early afternoon.

Fans have already been warned about tighter security measures and several restrictions because Trump will be at the course.

Rain hampered Thursday's final practice session, soaking the course ahead the competition.

The format includes four morning foursomes matches and four afternoon four-ball matches on Friday and Saturday with 12 concluding Sunday singles matches.

The Americans will need 14.5 points to win the Cup. Europe, winners in 10 of the past 14 meetings, need only 14 of 28 points to retain the trophy.

The US team leads the all-time rivalry 27-15 with two drawn, but Europe lead 12-9 with one drawn since their team was expanded beyond Britain and Ireland in 1979.

(W.Walker--TAG)