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Europe 5-3 USA

Friday afternoon foursomes

WON 3&2 Stenson/Rose v Johnson/Fowler

WON 3&2 McIlroy/Poulter v Watson/Simpson

WON 5&4 Garcia/Noren v Mickelson/DeChambeau

WON 5&4 Molinari/Fleetwood v Thomas/Spieth

• Latest in-play betting

Friday morning fourballs

Rose/Rahm v Koepka/Finau WON 1up

McIlroy/Olesen v Johnson/Fowler WON 4&2

Casey/Hatton v Spieth/Thomas WON 1up

WON 3&1 Fleetwood/Molinari v Reed/Woods

Live blog

1645: That's that for the golf today, an early-than-expected finish thanks to a thoroughly dominant European display this afternoon.

Within the hour, tomorrow's fourballs will be revealed and it'll be fascinating to see what changes Bjorn makes after such success over the last few hours.

Expect a fightback from the USA and, whatever happens, make sure you're here to follow it all live with us from 0700.

In the meantime, follow @SportingLife and @BenColeyGolf for those fourball matches and more to come, including a day two preview after today's 6/4 winner - Europe to win the foursomes.

1644: "We believe as a group," says Bjorn, who talks about the players he left out in the morning and how invested they all are in the process, how accepting they were of that decision. Oh how they rewarded him.

"I'm very proud of what they did," he adds. "There's a long way to go, but we go home with a good taste in our mouths tonight, and we regroup for tomorrow."

1640: In it goes! What a session for Europe as they take all four matches and all by a landslide. Huge shift from a disappointing morning session, when they touched 5/2 with Sky Bet. They're 4/6 now.

1638: Spieth then for birdie, it's probably closer to 10 feet, and lips out. Sums up his afternoon. Six or seven feet for the match.

1637: Fleetwood elects to pitch from the back of the 14th and it's good, leaving Molinari six feet for birdie. Will that be for the match? Possibly, as Thomas leaves Spieth six feet and change.

1633: Could be all over for the day before you've left the office (ha - as if any Mon-Fri workers are in the office at 1633 on a Friday). Molinari finds the 14th green with Europe's second to set up an eagle putt; US are in sand.

1631: Garcia moves to 11.5 points in his foursomes career, equal to Bernhard Langer. Bjorn's decision not only to select him but also to wait for the foursomes looks inspired now.

1629: And now it's 4-3 Europe as an exchange of birdies at the 14th means Noren and Garcia win the game 5&4.

1627: Bubba can't chip in from the back of the 16th and that's a concession, meaning Europe win 4&2. They trailed by two early so that's a huge comeback as Poulter enhances his magnificent foursomes record.

The Ryder Cup is level at 3-3.

1626: Spieth misses another. Barely missed a putt this morning, but this afternoon can't buy one. Europe 4up in the bottom game as Moliwood look to go 2-0-0.

Dare I say good news for the top overall scorer bet on Fleetwood at 20s. Long way to go, though, and it'll be seriously tight from here.

1624: Game over in the second match I suspect as Rory fires a towering iron to birdie range - remember, the USA need to win the remaining three holes to steal a half.

As Europe head towards a first-day lead, somehow, worth noting that in six of the seven 'regular' Ryder Cups since Brookline 1999 (Celtic Manor was a restructured renewal), the team leading into Saturday has won.

Europe have turned this around in some style and will really fancy their chances if leading 5-3.

1622: "Henrik and I have had great vibes in the event," says Rose, who credits Rory for a pep talk as they headed out onto the course.

"The atmosphere is fantastic," says Stenson. Job done and we'll surely see those two in tomorrow's fourballs.

1620: Rory saves par for Europe with a delicate save at the 15th and they're 3up with three to play. Back on 13, a fine third from JT will give Spieth 10 feet for a par save but Europe have not much more for birdie.

1618: Rose lags it hole-side and there's applause from one enthusiastic media member as Europe win their first point of what's surely going to be a whitewash session.

1617: Water off the 13th tee for Spieth, with an iron. DJ meanwhile comes up short with a long-range birdie try at 16, so two putts for Europe for a point.

1616: Mickelson holes for birdie at the 13th, comfortably enough to win the hole and keep the match alive. They're three-over, Mickelson and DeChambeau, and no worse than any other US side this afternoon (bar Spieth and JT at +2).

Garcia and Noren have just been outstanding.

1614: Middle of the green from Stenson at 16 and that could be enough to close the match out as McIlroy finds the back of the 15th.

Simpson faces the same shot as Rory now, knowing if he finds water it's match over. But the he chooses the right club and comes up 30ft short, a fine approach with the wind really pumping now.

1612: Garcia and Noren in trouble at 13, the Spaniard having found water from the tee, and it looks like the US pairing will keep the match alive for a short while long.

At 12, Fleetwood cosies a birdie putt down to the side of the hole and it's halved in four. That'll do nicely.

1610: Few better from six feet than Fowler, in my book, and he makes no mistake to keep the match alive with Europe guaranteed at least a half point.

1608: Birdie putt for Johnson at 15 but, well, if he gets this within six feet he's done terrifically well.

That he does, but Europe will now have a putt for the match, albeit again an outside chance for Rose.

It's not to be, but that's a safe par and Fowler will have to hole a fairly short putt to save the match.

1603: The cruellest of lip-outs for Poulter at the 14th, his short putt for the hole taking a full tour of the cup before being spat out. Ouch. Hopefully that doesn't turn the tide in the way that Finau's stroke of luck seemed to this morning.

1600: A welcome hole for the red team in the bottom match as Spieth and Thomas finally bag a birdie, albeit a conceded one. Europe 3up in three games, 6up in the fourth.

At 15, Fowler pushes his approach but it clears the hazard and DJ will have an outside birdie chance.

1557: Yep, 6up. A shellacking.

1556: At the 12th, Noren has a birdie chance for the hole, but it's probably two for it as the US pair still aren't on the green after three. Noren lips out but that should still be 6up with six to play.

1553: Wonderful touch from Stenson to earn Europe a birdie at the 14th. To his credit, Johnson pours in the reply and they remain alive - just. Holes very much running out.

1549: Poulter makes the most of Rory's second, holing the birdie putt for a 3up lead and a potentially decisive blow. He's beating his chest - Poulter is back, folks.

1548: It's all going wrong for the USA in the bottom game as they bogey nine and 10, both times with Spieth missing short par putts. Europe 4up.

1545: "Great swing bro," is a compliment which, even in this age of Europeans taking over Florida's golf scene, can only come from an American. More specifically, it's from Bubba of Baghdad, Florida, as Simpson hits his second to the 13th to 25ft.

Ha! McIlroy inside that from the hazard after an awful Poulter effort from the tee. Phenomenal shot, perhaps the best of the day, and maybe the one which kicks Rory in the behind.

1543: Back-to-back losses for Noren and Garcia as the latter misses from six feet at the 11th. Both holes won with par (well, Mickelson was conceded a birdie at 10 when Europe had made bogey). Pars are golden in foursomes around here.

1541: Match play and stroke play are very different (golf expert, right?), but the US are +4 in the top game, +3 in the next, +3 in the third and +2 in the bottom. Europe's top two pairings are over par and in command.

1539: DJ gets a lengthy one to go on 13 and that game suddenly has life in it, Europe 3up having been 5up a couple of holes ago. They now head to the par-five 14th and Europe could do with stemming the tide there.

1534: McIlroy unable to take advantage of Poulter's excellence again but Bubba can't scramble par for the US, so Europe go 2up when Poulter holes from a couple of feet.

That flicker of US resistance didn't last long, even as they win the 10th in match three to get back to... six down.

1533: Fleetwood misses but the US pair still have work on for par, five feet or so, despite having been greenside in two on the par-five.

It's Spieth to take it and he's after it immediately, having pushed it right. Europe 3up.

1532: The record is off as Noren finds water off the 10th tee. With Mickelson's approach very good, it looks like they'll win the hole and that'll be the goal - one at a time, try to eat into the lead and plant a seed of doubt. Good luck with that.

At the ninth, Fleetwood will have a putt for the hole and a 3up lead from around 15 feet.

1530: It should be said that Garcia and Noren have played unbelievably. They're five-under to the turn - the next best score through nine is one-under (well, through eight, as it's Fleetwood and Molinari).

Ahead to the 12th and Watson misses left, the worst place to miss, whereas it's a fine approach to 15 feet from Poulter.

1525: A short par putt this time goes in for DJ and the top match is now 4up Europe, who couldn't make their four at the 12th.

1523: It's Europe 7up in match three after a birdie at the ninth. 7&6 is the biggest foursomes victory in Ryder Cup history; 8&7 has been done twice in singles.

1521: Five minutes which confirm that, even with two matches surely beyond the reach of the USA, this session could still turn against Europe, for whom anything less than parity at the end of the day will feel like a failure now.

1520: McIlroy for birdie at the 11th, likely for a half, and it's a miss on the high side - far from his first today. Simpson will have a couple of feet to take their deficit to just one hole. He makes no mistake.

1517: Poulter will understand that better than anyone as he plays perhaps his best shot since returning to the side, a fading mid-iron to 10 feet for birdie at the 11th. Bubba's reply is better still - a reminder that Europe still have to finish this job off.

And over at the eighth, Fleetwood's miss means the USA take the hole and it's 2up Europe.

1515: Europe, who trail 3-1, are odds-on favourites for the Ryder Cup. It's vital that they press home their advantage this afternoon.

1513: Problems for both pairings on the 10th in match two and Europe do well to make bogey. That leaves Bubba with a putt for the hole, but it's always low and his Ryder Cup return has so far been fairly miserable.

Then again, at least Bubba and Webb have made a birdie. The other three US pairings are yet to do that.

1510: If we assume Garcia and Noren go on to do the job through 12, 13 holes perhaps, this will pose an extremely difficult question for Furyk. Can he afford to risk either player on Saturday? What would benching DeChambeau after his Ryder Cup debut do for his confidence ahead of the singles?

Europe 5up in the top match after DJ misses a short par putt.

1507: Six. Europe lead the third match by six holes. They're six up. This is humiliating for Ryder Cup veteran and Ryder Cup rookie respectively, Mickelson and DeChambeau.

1505: This is quite astonishing. Over lunch, Europe trailed 3-1 and could not afford another poor session. Out they've come, many of them (Garcia, Rose and Rory in particular) with something to prove, and they're absolutely destroying the US.

There remains much work to do, but there are no excuses to be found in matches one and three, and two and four may well be heading that way too.

1501: Simpson and Bubba are throwing holes away, here - that's three bogeys in succession. Welcome to Le Golf National. At the 10th, DJ misses a short par putt and Europe lead 4up.

1459: McIlroy misses but so does Bubba and that's a 2up lead. Europe lead by an aggregate of 13 holes and that's four in the spin for McIlroy and Poulter. Oof.

1457: Poulter's chip, like much of his work today, comes up short and McIlroy will have 10 feet for birdie. Simpson elects to putt but never mind all that, WE HAVE A SERGIO FIST PUMP.

Europe lead 5up through seven in the third match.

1455: Simpson and Bubba are in the same spot as McIlroy and Poulter at the ninth, but they've taken one shot more...

Meanwhile, Moliwood - Molinari and Fleetwood, yeah? - are 3up after a birdie at the sixth. Beautiful. They were two down to Woods and Reed midway through the morning. Since then, sensational.

1451: McIlroy from 270 at the ninth, which is now slightly downwind, and while he initially hates it, I'm not sure he could've placed it better having chosen a club which couldn't make the green. Ideal spot from which Poulter can work his magic...

1448: Big par save for Europe at the ninth, where Rose holes from 12 feet after Fowler had missed a birdie try from a couple more.

A US win there might've turned the tide but as it is, Europe are 3up, nine to play.

1445: I count one US birdie in 27 holes of foursomes.

1442: Europe are up in all four matches as a par does the trick for McIlroy and Poulter. Back at the sixth, Garcia and Noren take a 4up lead. There's a sea of blue on the scoreboard and it's very, very welcome.

1440: Ben back in the chair (thanks Dave) and it seems a good moment to pause and consider how this strong European start has affected the betting.

Europe are back into 11/10, which seems a bit short to me, with the USA evens - probably generous. The tie is 9/1 and it's no surprise that price has hardened.

Sky Bet also have a Price Boost on a hole in one, now 13/2, while it's 9/2 that all four players find the fairway in tomorrow's first match.

1434: The four American pairings are a collective 7-over so far. They're opening the door and Europe (up in three and A/S in the other) are taking advantage.

1430: More good news for Europe as Garcia and Noren continue their hot start and go 3up on the bungling Mickelson and DeChambeau. In the top game, Stenson and Rose remain 3up as DJ misses a good birdie chance.

1428: Spieth holes a good par putt to stay 1down against Molinari and Fleetwood. But Rory and Poulter win their second straight hole against Watson and Simpson (bogey) and that one is all square again.

1427: Noren puts his approach to the fifth hole around 10 feet away so Sergio will be putting for birdie.

1422: Another win for Rose and Stenson as the Swede holds his nerve from five feet. They're 3up after 7 and that's the second time in the space of three holes they've won with a par. DJ and Fowler 3-over for the day and they're being punished.

1417: At last! On his 24th hole of the day, McIlroy finally makes a birdie. It gets a fist-pump and you can hardly blame him. Back to 1down.

1416: Booming drive from Rory at the par-4 sixth and he finds the green. That's a confidence booster and hopefully for a turning point for him. Poulter's eagle putt leaves Rory about five feet. Oh dear.

1414: Wild drive into the cabbage from DJ at the seventh and the momentum is definitely with Europe in this afternoon session. As it stands, they'd win it 3-1 and we'd head into Saturday 4-4. Too early to be saying that obviously.

1410: Spieth is off the green at the par-5 third but very close to the hole. We've seen him chip these in plenty of times but he catches it heavy this time and leaves Thomas a little work. Nice birdie putt from Fleetwood means JT has to hole it but he misses! Molinari and Fleetwood 1up.

1406: But here's a birdie and it comes in the top game as Stenson holes from 10 feet to put Europe 2up with a third of the match gone.

1404: The four matches a collective 5-over par from just 14 holes played so far.

1402: Europe punish Mickelson's mistake as Noren sinks a good putt to put he and Garcia 2up after 3.

1400: Seems strange that Mickelson and not DeChambeau is hitting off the odd-numbered tees which are tough for him today. Not very scientific from the two most analytical thinkers in the American camp.

1357: The different format and increase in wind mean plenty of holes are being won with par now. Stenson and Rose land the fourth in such a manner after a wonky approach from Fowler leads to an American bogey.

1355: For those who missed it, a recap of this morning's results...

1350: Nice drive by Rory at the fourth and Poulter's approach leaves McIlroy around 20 feet. Surely he has to hole one of these eventually, doesn't he?

1349: Glorious from Fleetwood as his towering iron slaps down on the second green and inside 10 feet.

1348: Mickelson goes with an iron for safety off the third and finds water. Door open for Garcia and Noren to extend their early lead.

1346: Great approach from Fleetwood at the opener but Molinari can't convert so it's halved. Europe up in one, USA up in one and two matches all-square.

1343: Some blue on the board as Noren holes out at the second hole to win it with par. Back at the first, Spieth almost holes from downtown. The Americans turning up the heat with the putter here.

1341: Simpson drains a bomb for an unexpected birdie. And it's good enough for the win as Rory's putter fails again.

1338: Good third shot from Poulter to the par-5 third hole so Rory will get another chance to make his first birdie of the day after the 20 holes of frustration so far. Watson and Simpson are also on in three but much further from the hole.

1336: It's the final foursomes match of the afternoon and features two pairs who bagged a point this morning - Spieth and JT v Molinari and Fleetwood. Spieth can't find the short grass but Molinari splits the fairway.

1334: Jim Furyk plays down the USA's early 3-1 lead. "It's only four matches. Four of 28 points."

Click here for the latest in-play betting, Price Boosts and RequestABets, to see if Sky Bet agree.

1332: Mickelson can't hole a long one so Sergio has the opportunity to strike an early blow but his birdie try catches the lip and stays out. Still no European blue on the board right now.

1329: The US are struggling at the third and it leaves Stenson with a short birdie putt for the win but it stays out. Still deadlock in the top match.

1327: DeChambeau's first Ryder Cup shot is a good one as he finds the green at No.1. Noren's debut blow finds the apron and will give Sergio a chance at birdie.

1323: Poulter rescues Rory at the second with a brilliant bunker shot which almost drops and the hole is halved in par.

1319: It's match three. Mickelson and DeChambeau v Garcia and Noren. Mickelson flirts with the water down the left but his ball stays dry. Sergio is about to hit but backs off. He settles himself and bangs one down the middle.

1319: With the wind up, Simpson has to hit a hybrid on the par-3 second hole but it's a beaut, sailing onto the green and within birdie range. Rory leaks his tee-shot way right. He needs to find something quick because at the moment the Northern Irishman looks completely out of sorts.

1316: Bubba's lag putt is good enough for the win at No.1 as Europe pay the penalty for Poulter finding the drink. US 1up.

1314: To give some hope to the home fans, Europe have a good recent record in Friday's second session. They've won the last two 3-1 (2016) and 3.5-0.5 (2014).

1312: Fowler can't save par so Stenson has around six feet for the win. Dribbles it right so the hole is halved in bogey.

1310: Not great from either Rose or DJ from the bunker and a par could win the hole here. Europe nearer.

1308: The wind started picking up in the morning session and it's definitely blowing out there now. On the second, both Stenson and Fowler find sand off the tee.

1305: It's a first start for Bubba and Webb Simpson in this Ryder Cup although they have played together previously. Bubba, who has felt under the weather this week, pulls the trigger first and finds the fairway. Poulter's first contribution is to.... find the water down the left!! Not good. We're alternate shot now so water balls are that much more destructive.

1302: Stenson holds firm and that'll settle the nerves. All square after one. Next up Rory and Ian Poulter!

1300: Rose chips onto the green but leaves Stenson eight feet. He'll need that to halve the hole after DJ lags up.

1255: Stenson's first shot of the 2018 Ryder Cup ends up in greenside rough after he leaks his approach right. Fowler finds the dancefloor and in good birdie range.

1250: Here we ago again. DJ and Fowler looking for their second win take on Rose and Stenson. DJ and Rose are hitting on the odd-numbered holes and both find the fairway.

1247: Very short break for the blog as we digest a US-dominated session. Back in 10 with a preview of the afternoon matches and more live coverage.

1245: Neither Reed nor Tiger are able to hole their chips and it's a little surprising they don't concede the match there and then, with both Europeans putting for birdie and only a par needed.

Fleetwood runs his long-range attempt to three feet and it'll be over to Molinari to cosy his up to the hole for a 2&1 win, or make it for 3&1.

Make it he does. Phew. Applause in the media centre. I've never heard clapping sound so relieved.

1244: Looking ahead to the afternoon matches, it's going to be interesting to see how Mickelson goes around here and I'd make Garcia and Noren fairly strong favourites to win that one.

In fact, I'm fairly hopeful for Europe with my main concern being Rose in the top game. He's had an emotionally draining run and has to bounce back from throwing half a point into the water at 18

1241: That may be that in the final game as Molinari plays a lovely approach to 20 feet. Tiger, whose waywardness has been costly, misses the green short and left and so does Reed.

1238: Spieth makes no mistake and the star of that US pairing seals a point with a 1up lead. USA need 14 points to retain the Ryder Cup and they have three of them already.

1236: Spieth for birdie... it's a little short, on a very good line. Not conceded and understandably so as he'll have two feet or more for the par.

Hatton first up. Casey, like his proud but terrified dad, says "you got this," in, well, a less-than-convincing manner.

Here we go. Must make. But he misses, always drifting right. Spieth will have two feet for a 3-0 USA lead.

1231: Reed can't make birdie so Europe lead 2up. Small victories: they're now guaranteed half a point from the session. LGN > Hazeltine.

1230: Fleetwood! Another birdie from Tommy and that could earn Europe a 2up lead as Hatton fires a brave approach underneath the hole to set up a genuine birdie chance at the 18th.

Europe need the tide to turn. Could two of their rookies do the job? Thomas is in water so it's Hatton for birdie from maybe 15 feet, Spieth from nearer 50.

1228: Ahead to the 18th, and Spieth finds the heart of the green. Casey is in thick rough and has to hack it up the fairway as Europe stare at another defeat.

1226: Fleetwood finds the 16th green, as does Molinari. Very much the requirement on this hole even if Reed fires his to around 10 feet. Woods next and that's wet, about 15 yards short. He's fortunate Reed is in a good position.

Those afternoon foursomes are now confirmed above. It means both captains use all 12 players on day one.

1220: No Koepka is a surprise this afternoon given his status in the game and still flawless Ryder Cup record, although he and Finau were undeniably fortunate to win that game.

On 15, Fleetwood comes to the party with a birdie to move Europe ahead. If they can win that, it's total disaster averted. If Casey and Hatton can steal half a point, too, it'll feel like a very good morning despite trailing.

1218: Casey, who as you can see above won't feature this afternoon, makes a brave par save to keep the penultimate match alive.

1217: Sky Bet have cut the price of USA winning the Ryder Cup as everything appears to go their way.

Click here for the latest in-play betting, Price Boosts and RequestABets.

1216: Rahm misses and Europe somehow lose the top match. What a body blow.

1214: Reed also wet at 15. Incredible. Suddenly, Fleetwood's approach to 15 feet is money. Woods will likely need to get up and down to save the hole.

Back to 18, Koepka for the match... very nearly makes it but that's a par. All on Rahm to save the match.

1212: Molinari pushes a wedge into the water.

1211: Since 1999, 30 matches have gone down 18. USA have won just five of them. It looks like it might be six as Rose fails to hole his fourth.

Back at 15, Woods lays up. Europe urgently need something from Fleetwood and Molinari here, as Thomas fires one to birdie range on 17.

1210: Rahm's wedge is pin high but pulled to 15 feet. He'll need to make that and hope both US players miss for Europe to escape with half a point from a match they've dominated. They've led after 16 of the previous 17 holes. This would hurt more than McIlroy's failure.

1209: Koepka safely on, a birdie chance of sorts. It's all about Rahm now. He needs to get up and down with a wedge third shot.

Europe has never been behind in this match. They could be about to lose it.

1208: Huge mistake from Rose, potentially a devastating one for Europe, as he goes right of a right pin, a yard long, and into water. We could be looking at Hazeltine v2.

1207: Three balls in the fairway at 15. Tiger's is the exception as he misses left, which usually means a lay-up.

Now to 18, where Rahm has hacked out. Finau first, straight into the wind. "That was all arms," says Faldo as Finau finds the middle of the green, some way away from the flag.

Rose next. Can he really attack this?

1205: Good insight from No Laying Up. Afternoon foursomes will be announced very shortly.

1202: Remember when Rahm had five feet to take Europe 2up at the 14th? It's now all-square and he's missed the fairway right on 18, which is bad news.

Rose thrashes his drive down the middle, shushes the crowd, and strikes down the fairway like the Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase.

1200: A tame birdie try from Spieth opens the door for Casey at the 16th, as up in the first match a four from each side halves the hole and sends us to 18.

First up it's Finau and he absolutely loves it, as he should. It's also driver for Koepka and he too splits the fairway.

1158: At 14, Fleetwood has five or six feet for the hole. He's been quiet since a bright start, the Englishman. Can he step up here? No... it drifts by and that's a huge let-off for the USA.

1157: As Hatton bails out we hear from Fowler and DJ, the former telling Sky Sports that they played "some good, solid golf." Precisely the source of disappointment for Europe: they didn't have to play outstanding golf to win before the 17th hole.

1153: Thomas finds the green on 16, then tells Spieth exactly how he did it. Spieth then follows him on and both will have half-chances for birdie, 20 and 15 feet respectively.

Europe must respond. Lose this hole and they cannot win the match. After much discussion, Casey is first for the boys in blue and it's dead at the pin, 10 feet short... which means it's about an inch over the water. Wow.

1151: Rose goes through 17 now, similar to Finau, Rahm the pick of the three so far but still working to make par. Last to play, also from rough, is Koepka, and he wisely plays to the front of the green. Not much between the four here on balance and it may come down to whether any one of them can birdie 18.

1150: Casey can't birdie 15 and it's USA 1up after Thomas holes from three or four feet. The top match is so, so important for Europe now as Finau asks for a ruling in the heavy stuff, after Rahm had found the back of the green, some way from the pin.

Finau goes through the green and into thick rough.

1147: Olesen's birdie try misses. Two years ago, Thomas Pieters played fine on debut but was let down by a veteran. He went on to be the top scorer. Could the same happen with Olesen? Doubtful - chances are he's benched this afternoon. Yet he's done little wrong here; the blame lies chiefly with McIlroy.

Here goes Rory for birdie, must-make, and it's short. A fitting end to the match. DJ's birdie putt is conceded and USA win 4&2.

1145: We were promised so much from this Ryder Cup, and so far it's being delivered. Europe could win this session 3-1; they could also lose it 4-0. It's a huge hour so early on in the tie.

1143: Troubling times for Europe as JT sticks one close on 15 and DJ does the same on 16. McIlroy has a birdie chance there but it will not be enough. Game over unless he holes and Johnson misses, Olesen having come up a little short.

1141: Some speculation that the boos on 16 were because the putt wasn't conceded, which would be equally pathetic. Rose was asked to hole from 22 inches on the first, remember. Whoever is booing: stop it.

1139: Finau is being booed as he lines up his birdie putt. Good-natured, maybe, but mainly pathetic. He makes the putt and the top match is all-square. Europe have thrown the absolute kitchen sink at America but no longer lead.

1137: A stay of execution for Europe as Johnson misses on 15. Rory, where are you? A birdie-birdie-birdie finish is required.

1135: We could have our first completed match soon as DJ fires one fairly close on 15, just as Molinari misses a chance in the bottom game.

McIlroy again nowhere to be seen as Olesen sets up his own birdie chance. If he misses and Johnson makes, that's a point to the USA.

At 16, Rahm's bunker shot is good and will secure a par. Remember, though, Finau, though fortunate, is in tight.

1133: An excellent up-and-down from Thomas halves 14 after Hatton birdies for Europe. Big enough odds that this match would get to the 15th when Spieth carried USA to 3up, but now it heads there all-square.

1129: Our first glimpse of the par-three 16th. Water short, bunkers left and right and a green which is incredibly hard to hit. Good luck.

And what fortune from Finau! His shot hits the railway sleepers and rather than rebounding into the water, it jumps forward 20 yards and to about two feet. Phenomenal moment on which this match could turn.

1127: Fleetwood wet on 13 but Molinari has a good birdie look thanks to a stroke of fortune, his approach finding its way through trees.

Woods' approach just - and I do mean just - runs through the green and trundles away. He's short-sided now and working hard for par in a game which USA led 2up.

1125: Koepka's birdie try just passes by the hole and that will be a half on 15 thanks to Rose, good news for Europe after some poor approach play. So important for Europe to win this game, whether it's the first point or not.

A little concerning that Rahm's par putt from five feet missed left as he did, just, on 14. Still, Rose is there to make a fine par and maintain Europe's advantage.

1119: Heart-in-mouth moment for Rahm on 15 as his pulled approach just clears the drink, where Finau's ball had earlier made a splash.

Koepka the only one of the four on the green.

On 14, Rory can't convert from five feet for birdie after a long-range make from Fowler. Olesen does make birdie to keep them in the game - just.

1115: A big five minutes for Europe as Molinari makes another birdie to draw them level with Reed and Woods. He's so reliable from that six-foot range right now.

1113: Another fairly mediocre shot from Rory at 14, albeit one from which he should still get up and down for birdie. He's still looking for his first and as Bjorn decides on his foursomes pairings for the afternoon, the big question is does Rory go out again?

The answer is probably yes, but if we assume that Casey, Rahm and Rose all go out again, that means the likes of Molinari, Fleetwood and Olesen all sitting out.

Olesen meanwhile plays a brilliant approach to 14 and will have a short birdie putt. Perhaps that game isn't dead yet...

1111: This man has been exceptional on his Ryder Cup return. First, taking every punch Spieth had, then swinging from the 10th and no doubt inspiring Hatton along the way.

1109: Ben back in the chair, Dave now going for a lie down. Went for a stroll and can't say enough how good a course this is for the spectator. On the course, Hatton birdies 13 and that match is all-square, a huge turnaround in Europe's favour and a huge match in the context of the session.

Europe have been cut as a result by Sky Bet. Click here for the latest in-play betting, Price Boosts and RequestABets.

1105: Ouch! Rahm's putt to win the 14th somehow horseshoes out so he and Rose lead just 1up with four to play.

1102: The Casey train de-rails as he finds water at 13 but Hatton has a birdie chance as Europe look to win their third hole in a row and level it up against Spieth/Thomas.

1059: Europe hit back in the bottom game as Molinari holes for birdie-2 at 11. An arm around the shoulder from playing partner Tommy Fleetwood and they walk to the 12th tee now just 1-down.

1057: DJ has got it going now. A second birdie on the trot after his excellent approach to 12 and the US go 3up on Rory and Olesen.

1055: How flexible will Thomas Bjorn be with his plans this afternoon? Would he dare drop Rory? McIlroy remains the only player out there without a birdie today. In fact, all the other 15 have at least two.

1052: Paul Casey! JT leaves his birdie putt in the jaws at 12 but Casey drains his fourth straight birdie and suddenly he and Hatton are just 1down when this one looked to be getting away from them.

1050: Fowler in the water at 13 but DJ comes to the rescue, hitting his approach to five feet at 13. With Rory flat and unable to make a putt, the US could go 3up.

1047: Fleetwood and Molinari will have to follow suit to halve the hole but they can't and the US go 2up in the bottom match.

1045: The Americans are charging. Reed now chips in for birdie at the 11th when the US looked in trouble. A broad smile from Tiger.

1042: Rose can't convert and the Europe's lead is cut to 1up. Things looking a little concerning for Thomas Bjorn now with Europe leading by the minimum margin in the top game and down in the other three.

1041: Finau won't even have to putt as Koepka bangs one in from distance. Suddenly, Rose has to hole from 15 feet for par otherwise the US will put pressure on that match too.

1039: Fantastic response from Finau and he's about five feet away. Back at 12, DJ drains a big one to put the US 2up on Olesen and the struggling Rory.

1036: Strong approach from Rose to the par-4 13th and he'll have around 15 feet for his fourth birdie in five holes. Can he perhaps lend Rory one?

1034: No third straight birdie for JT so Casey will putt for a winning birdie at 11. Makes it! The US lead cut to 2up and Casey is the hot man on the course after going birdie-birdie-birdie.

1032: Fleetwood's birdie chip at 9 rolls off the other side of the green while Molinari's putt to keep Europe alive lips out. It's a concession and Reed and Wood now go 1up. Not that long ago, Europe were up in three; now the US lead the bottom three matches.

1029: Casey responds in style, finishing inside JT and with another chance to cut that imposing deficit.

1027: Thomas has definitely found his mojo now and puts one close from the tee at the par-3 11th.

1025: One of the biggest roars of the Ryder Cup so far as Rose chips in from down a bank at 12 for birdie. He's pumped. Rahm is pumped. Finau and Koepka can't spoil the fun and Europe are 2up again in the top match.

1024: Casey follows his birdie at 9 with another at 10 but Justin Thomas has come to the table now and matches them to keep the US 3up.

1021: Rory hasn't holed anything today and a 25-footer at 11 slips by. Olesen has a much better chance but can't make his either. It means DJ's par keeps the US 1up.

1018: Tiger and Reed both miss the green at the par-5 9th but not by much and they have good chances to get up and down for birdie.

1015: Back on the range, Alex Noren is going through his paces. The Swede won the Open de France here in July and surely will make his Ryder Cup debut in this afternoon's foursomes. Alongside compatriot Henrik Stenson perhaps?

1014: That little flurry means the US are now up in two matches and Europe up in just one.

1011: Lovely short-game skills from Koepka as he holes a delicate chip to win the 11th after Rose can't convert his birdie putt. It cuts the Euro lead to 1up. And there's another win for the visitors as Fowler's birdie takes care of the 10th. Back-to-back Rickie birdies have swung the momentum there with the US now 1up.

1010: Nice putt from Casey stops the Americans going 4up in match three. A big back-nine required to turn that on around though.

1008: Spieth lets his friend have a go at the ninth with a birdie, which Europe match. That means McIlroy is now the only man left on the course without a birdie to his name so far.

1007: Tiger misses a half chance for birdie at the eighth as a French-sounding spectator squeals 'get in the hole' to some amusement. Looks like that match will head down nine all-square.

1000: Rose and Rahm a combined 6-under after 10 holes incidentally.

0959: Rahm has got into bother at 10 but chips in for par! He's already sprinkling magic and will Thomas Bjorn be tempted to play him again this afternoon? As it happens, Rahm's chip is irrelevant as Rose sinks his birdie effort. Koepka has a short one to halve the hole and does so. Europe 2up after 10.

0954: Olesen and McIlroy pay the price for their poor play at the ninth and concede the hole to Fowler and DJ. That one goes all-square too so this is tightening up again. Both sides up in just one match each now.

0951: Tiger stalking a birdie putt at the seventh to win the hole. His 10 footer is always left though. Reed has a shorter birdie putt to come while Fleetwood has a longer one for par. Classic matchplay moment here. Can Fleetwood hole and force Reed to miss? No! Europe lose to par and we're back to all-square.

0947: Spieth's card: 3-3-4-4-3-3-3-3.

0945: Casey and Hatton need to start making things happen in the third match and the former sinks to his knees as a lengthy birdie try catches a piece of the hole. Spieth (and Thomas) remain 3up. Europe making a horlicks of the ninth. Olesen found water and Rory can only advance his ball 25 yards after finding thick rough off the tee.

0943: We've reached the turn in the top game and Europe are 2up after Rose and Finau halve the hole in birdie-4s. Finau, who almost found the the drink with his opening tee-shot has played the last seven holes in 4-under.

0942: For the second time today, Olesen finds water off the tee. This one is unlucky though as it takes a hard bounce left on the par-5 9th. Time for Rory to come to the table here.

0941: Phil Mickelson currently hitting balls on the range. You'd expect him to be given a run out this afternoon after being benched this morning.

0939: Europe lost the opening session 4-0 at Hazeltine in 2016 although that was foursomes. It's a very different story so far today but let's stress the 'so far' element of that. These games can flip before you know it.

0936: Mini-crisis this now for Rory as he misses the one back so bogeys. There's a twist though. DJ misses a short one for par and that allows Olesen to step in and win the hole with a three. Europe go 1up and they're ahead in three matches now.

0932: Another putts stays above ground from Rory. You can sense the frustration. A little work to do for his par now at 7. On the driveable sixth, birdies from Fleetwood and Reed mean Europe walk to the next still 1up.

0930: This is ridiculous stuff from Spieth. His next trick is to chip in for birdie at 7 and, single-handedly, he's taken the US to 3up on Casey and Hatton in the third match.

0929: Rory could put that right at the seventh. Superb tee-shot inside 15 feet. Back at six, Tiger was way left off the tee but a lovely chip should get him the birdie. Can Europe win it with eagle though? We saw one here earlier from Finau.

0926: It doesn't paint the most accurate picture in matchplay but a quick snap-shot of those performing best so far. Spieth is -4, with Rahm and Finau -3. Still no birdie from McIlroy or Reed.

0923: Calm in a weather sense out there but the forecast suggests it could get really windy this afternoon.

0922: Huge fist-pump from Rahm and the roars are deafening as he sinks his birdie at the 8th to win the hole. He and Rose now 2-up in the top game.

0919: Great chance for Olesen to win the 7th but his seven-footer dribbles wide All-square still.

0917: Hatton has an eagle chip to win the hole at 6 but he's just wide. The hole is halved in birdie-3, Spieth again hoisting up another red number. The 2017 Open champ is 4-under through the opening six holes and that's why the USA are 2-up in that one.

0915: Loose from Final and Koepka; one goes left, the other right and Rahm in pole position to increase the lead.

0912: Rahm turns the screw with an excellent tee-shot to the par-3 8th although Rose tugs his left.

0909: An 'Oh Tiger' from the great man as his approach to the fifth leaks right a little. Back at the seventh, the Americans are punished for their loose drives as Rose wins it with a par to put Europe 1up again. That's the first hole lost to a par today. Always a nasty feeling if you're on the wrong end of it.

0906: Plenty of birdies (and a Finau eagle) so far but here's a list of players yet to make one - Koepka, Rory, Casey, Thomas and Reed.

0903: So, three games all-square and Spieth and Thomas 2up in the third match. Although that's thanks to three birdies from Spieth.

0902: And now it's Dave Tindall's turn to talk you through this tight, enthralling morning of Ryder Cup.

0901: Both McIlroy and Olesen run their eagle tries by after Fowler birdies for the US, so work to do there to avoid somehow losing the hole.

At the fourth, Fleetwood makes his birdie putt and there's blue on the scoreboard once more, however the US pairing are 2up in the third match after another Spieth birdie, his third already.

0857: Finau way right, Koepka way left on the seventh, and the former looks to be out of bounds. Back down to earth with a bang following his eagle heroics on the sixth and big chance for Europe on a tricky hole.

Back at the fourth, Fleetwood's caddie absolutely loves the approach shot and he's right - it's inside three feet. With the Americans in a little trouble that may be enough for Europe to take the lead, and the feeling that these two could fairway-and-green their opponents to death strengthens.

0853: Olesen appears to have settled into things nicely now as he drives the sixth green. He'll have 50 feet at the most for eagle as Rory flies one to the very back of the green, 75 feet perhaps. Two eagle putts for the European duo with neither opponent having found the green.

0850: Both Reed and Woods looking a little shaky from the tee and they're in bother at the fourth. Rose misses at the sixth though so there's no longer European blue on the board.

0848: Finau chips in! It's an eagle for the American to turn the sixth hole on its head. Europe have two outside chances to respond but the first, Rahm's chip, misses left.

0847: Spieth's putter is alive and well as he drains another, this time to avoid losing the fourth hole as the US pairing remain 1up. Not much from JT so far; you fear a little for the European duo if he does join in.

At the sixth, Koepka's tee-shot struck a spectator just above the eye. Sounds really nasty.

0844: Tommy isn't needed as Molinari steps up and makes his four. Sure those putts didn't go in back in 2010 and 2012.

0840: The tee is up on the sixth and both Europeans take advantage, Rose driving to 30 feet and Rahm just through the back. Koepka goes left and Finau is just short, so it's advantage Europe.

Back at the second, Woods' chip is magnificent, not two inches away from eagle, and Fleetwood will need to hole his birdie putt from six feet to halve the hole.

0836: Woods and Reed both miss the third in two, one left and one short, but Reed's ball is in a nice spot and he'll fancy chipping that in for eagle.

Molinari comes up quite some way short of the green with his approach but Fleetwood does find the green, albeit 50 or 60 feet away.

At the fifth, Finau pops in a nice par save to halve the hole.

0832: Olesen misses a very good birdie chance for the fourth hole as that match remains all square.

0825: Both Europeans miss, and they concede Tiger's birdie putt. All-square in the bottom match, all-square all told with Europe up in one and down in one. A fascinating first hour or so.

Ahead to the third and Casey leaves his eagle putt in the jaws, which will mean a halved hole as Spieth cans another putt, this time for birdie. He's been excellent so far, although JT was also in close.

0822: Looks like the bottom match will return to all-square as both Europeans go long from sand. One of them must save par from outside 10 feet and then hope that Woods misses from five. It seems unlikely.

0819: Koepka misses again, this time short of pace. He's putted poorly several times lately, albeit not so much last week; the putter very costly so far as Europe remain 1up.

0818: Rose drains a 15-foot putt at the fourth, but it's only for par. Rahm will putt for birdie next and from further away, with Koepka perhaps 12, 14 feet. Rahm misses and Europe's advantage could be removed here.

0817: So the pattern for the first few holes is set. Someone ought to go very close to making birdie at the first. A three will usually do at the second. A birdie is required at the third.

But Tiger is having none of it. He's inside six feet, beneath the hole, at the second - the only player on the green.

0815: Back bunker for Fleetwood at the second, which bar the water is about as bad as it gets to a pin set right against the back of the green. Molinari follows him in and both have much to do if they're to make par.

0812: Olesen for eagle at the third, for the hole... and it just misses low. That'll be spoils shared, Olesen glad no doubt to contribute with a birdie to match DJ's with both having found the putting surface in two.

0811: Europe 1up in the bottom match. Forza Italia!

0809: It's a really good try from Fleetwood at the first but one which misses right. Reed, strangely, opted not to play another shot - why not try to hole the wedge? Leaves Tiger on his own, probably how he likes it in truth, and the 80-time PGA Tour winner makes par. Molinari has five or six feet for the hole.

0807: Both Hatton and Casey miss decent chances on the second, the former already convulsing with every rotation of the ball. Spieth takes care of business from five or so feet to halve the hole.

0805: Well I never. Reed, from prime position, chunks his wedge into the water. "He won't be shushing the crowd after that one" says Faldo with unashamed delight. That's how you earn a knighthood. Advantage Europe.

0804: Tiger's second is shorter than planned and rests against the collar, briefly flirting with the water. Fleetwood is 20 feet past the flag so it's Molinari now, positioned to attack. Yep, six feet, maybe five.

0801: Rahm's pitch across the third is very good, coming to rest six feet away, but he'll need that and a Koepka miss to keep Europe's 1up advantage.

Finau is allowed to putt first for birdie and holes one from around 10 feet, a nice little confidence boost after a rough start.

Rahm, a little further away than I thought, and he drains it. Little fist bump and I mutter vamos, to the bemusement of the Danish chap to my left.

Koepka still has a putt for the win but it slides past the edge again as Europe remain 1up.

0759: Fleetwood finds the fairway, Frankie finds the fairway. Expect plenty of that today. Here's a funny thing: it's Tommy Fleetwood's son's birthday today. His son's name? Frankie. Beat that, America.

0758: Here's the shot which effectively secured America their first hole of the 2018 Ryder Cup.

0757: Reed first, and his name is accompanied by a chorus of boos. "Great shot," says Tiger, and he's right. That's absolutely ideal and as we've seen, finding the fairway should ensure a very decent birdie chance.

"Shhhh" followed by absolute silence as Tiger plays. He absolutely loves it. Sauce all over the place.

0755: Bizarre stuff on the first as the European fans chant 'Tiger's back'. Less of that, please.

0754: Red on the board as Hatton's miss is followed by a birdie for Spieth. Meanwhile in the top match, Koepka hits a 340-yard drive followed by an iron to 10 feet. Hard to beat that.

0752: The par-five third is sure to be an early swing hole this year but Rose is in trouble, having found water from the tee and sand with his third. Rahm, whose ball just about stayed dry, manages to muscle one towards the green and will chip across it with his third.

Back at the second, three is always hard to beat and both sides register one.

0750: After that miss on one from DJ, worth remembering that he switched to the cross-handed grip last Sunday. I seem to recall Phil being criticised for switching equipment just before was is the 2004 Ryder Cup? Similar, no?

0749: Casey, even with his Popeye forearms, can't carry the water with his second and, unlike Thomas, doesn't bail out. Hatton has been left alone for Europe on the first. His second is 12 feet over the top of it. Spieth next and after a comforting chat with Greller, he lips out his wedge approach. Wow. Six feet left.

0747: Dave has arrived, despite being quite clearly under the weather.. I was briefly impressed that he'd bought, with the intention of reading, a French newspaper. I suspect though it was a freebie.

0743: Casey just misses the fairway right as he makes his Ryder Cup return after 10 years away. Hatton, without a hat on, is next. Talk of professionals being in the zone doesn't apply here as he smirks at his name being sung. And then to business, and a perfect tee-shot. That's so impressive, the first rookie so far to nail one straight down the middle.

0742: Right into the thick of it now as the first match remains in Europe's favour after pars all round at the second. Back at the first and Thomas finds rough to the right off the tee. Hard, even for a player of his calibre, to get it close from there. No such issues for Spieth. Perfect.

0740: DJ misses. Wow. Let-off for Europe in the second match, as the third prepares to go.

0739: Olesen makes bogey, Fowler par, leaving the big two with birdie chances at the first hole. McIlroy knows he must make this. It'll move a little off the right and McIlroy doesn't allow for that - it's just a par.

0735: Rory needs a three, but this pin really is a gift. However, with early morning dew on the greens he doesn't get the required purchase on a so-so wedge and will have 20 feet or so, likely to avoid going a hole down.

At the second, Rahm and Fowler are a little way away but on the green, Koepka is closest at 15 feet of those to have found the surface, with Rose not far away but just through the back.

0733: Fowler is a long way back having popped up his tee shot, albeit not quite Full Webb Simpson. His approach is excellent in the circumstances with 25 feet left for his birdie. DJ next from 147 yards and that's heavenly, inside three feet.

0731: If you want an audio accompaniment to this blog, which obviously you're not going to leave, then I highly recommend (ahem) this podcast with Billy Foster in which he discusses the likes of Tyrrell Hatton, who will be next on the tee.

0728: Two rookies so far. Finau almost finds water, Olesen does find water. Perhaps it'll prove strangely settling. McIlroy then, batting solo, takes five-wood and is down for the tee quicker than you can say Hollywood. DJ also in the fairway.

0727: It's on. Rose's putt, 18 inches and no more, is not conceded. So when he makes it, he celebrates like Europe have won the Ryder Cup. That goal is a long way off but the first is to get blue on the board. It's the first colour to appear this week. Europe 1up.

0726: The next match is on the tee, three members of the game's elite and a rookie who will hope to join them. How will Olesen do? He couldn't have asked for a better partner. Fowler is away first and finds the second cut.

0725: Koepka misses. Europe should be 1up very shortly in the top match.

0724: Finau misses his par putt and immediately some indication as to why this course, for all its faults, should make a fabulous Ryder Cup venue. We'll likely have a three, a four and a five here. Rose's putt hasn't been conceded and it'll be Koepka to putt for birdie first.

0721: What have I become? Ten minutes into the Ryder Cup and I've hit caps lock. Finau's third barely clears the water and he's a spectator now.

0720: "You're thinking about holing this," says Faldo. Rose almost holes it. That should be a gimme birdie. EUUUUROPE!

0719: Finau has to chip out sideways into the middle of the fairway as Rahm fires his approach shot to 10 feet. What a start from the Spaniard.

Koepka next, 126 yards, and that's equal to Rahm's, straight over the top of the flag. Rose now from the same yardage and he has every reason to attack. Expect this close.

0717: Ian Poulter isn't the sort to sulk at being left out of the first session, is he?

0714: It's advantage Europe as Rahm also finds the fairway. The 42nd Ryder Cup is off and away.

0713: Rose A1. Obviously.

0712: Koepka A1. Obviously.

0712: It's Finau first for the United States, a big price to hit the first shot of the tournament as a rookie wild card. It's down the left and about an inch from water. He'll have no stance and no shot. Nervous much?

0709: No sign yet of my playing partner for the week, a Mr Dave Tindall. He's been struck with a horrible flu bug, I gather, so I need to be careful what I wish for. Rumour has it Michael Collins of ESPN has some can't-lose zinc tablets for the inflicted, which rumour has it includes much of the US side.

All the speculation ends now. There's a brief pause on the first tee as both sets of fans realise this is about to begin.

0708: Rose and Rahm make their walk to the first tee. If there's a rookie in this European side who can handle this, it's Rahm, even if Laura Davies says "he'll be absolutely terrified." Certainly doesn't look it.

Some atmosphere out there as Finau and Koepka join the party. The build-up to the Ryder Cup has become something absurd, but then you get to 0710 on day one and you realise this event is not being oversold. It is the best thing in golf and it's two minutes away.

0704: First Ryder Cup experience coming up very soon for five players - Finau, Rahm, Olesen, Hatton and Fleetwood. The other rookies, DeChambeau and Noren, wait. It's the US who bring the greater experience, Europe home advantage. Everything is finely balanced.

This is my second Ryder Cup. The first involved a stolen laptop (stolen from me - I was not using a stolen device) which meant I had to drive home from Glasgow at 6am on Sunday to borrow a laptop from a colleague and blog from the office. Miserable experience.

So far, Paris has been immeasurably superior, from the smooth journey via plane, train and tram to the comparatively short hop across to the course on the media shuttle this morning.

Breakfast good, gift good (a Ryder Cup bag, might give it away as a competition prize later this week), new water fountain over plastic bottle policy good, and I've spotted bottles of IPA in the media cafe. Huge.

Back to the players, and here's what Billy Foster told me about the rookies and what to expect.

0700: Talk of a generous first pin position and the opening hole is certainly a birdie chance if finding the fairway - not the easiest thing to do in front of that crowd, even if it is just an iron for these beasts about to take to the tee.

Le Golf National isn't for everyone and doesn't necessarily test a player's ability to make a decision, with that done for you. But what it is, is a golf course quite literally made for Ryder Cup golf.

That means great viewing areas for spectators, lots of water, and a dramatic closing stretch. Hopefully we see plenty of matches go down 18. I suspect we will.

Here's a full guide to the course.

0655: If you're trying to weigh up how this first session will go, click here to read my preview. In a nutshell I think Europe will do really well to avoid trailing into the afternoon, but that if both captains do want to play all 12 today, then the hosts will take some beating in the foursomes.

0653: Who needs Getty or PA Images when you've got Luke in the stands, where he's been since 5am? Here's the view from the first tee, where the Ryder Cup will begin in 17 minutes.

0650: Before the serious business of Ryder Cup golf, some notes. Firstly, the US media are far, far better than us at being partisan - there are USA caps, beanies and belts all over this media centre. It makes you feel outnumbered, as a European, even if I am situated between the PGA of Europe and TV2 Denmark.

On the shuttle over I sat behind a Golf Channel gaggle who were amazed at how warm it is. It's all relative of course, and their last experience of a European Ryder Cup was in Scotland, but it is warmer than you might expect - warm enough to take the beanies off, anyway.

What else? Thought I was on a flight with Victor Dubuisson, turned out to be a man named Darren, then got to my hotel where there was a vending machine selling pizza. Otherwise, fairly standard. It's difficult to ignore the fact that security here is extremely tight but it's also hugely efficient and, clearly, there's been no shortage through the gates this morning.

"We will rock you," now thumping. No sign of Robert Rock, or his hair, just yet.

0640: Good morning and welcome along to coverage of the 42nd Ryder Cup, live from Le Golf National, Paris. I've managed to finally complete my journey to the media centre and will be here for the next three days of what promises to be a thrilling renewal of golf's greatest tournament.

Outside, a disc jockey is warming up the crowd on the first tee, where a Danish flag is already in place. It's a mild morning, conditions perfect for golf, and we're now exactly half an hour away from the first match on the tee as Justin Rose and Jon Rahm face Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau.

Please do feel free to join in by tweeting me @BenColeyGolf or emailing, if you're old fashioned, benjamin.coley@sportinglife.com. Here. We. Almost. Go.

Ryder Cup 2018: Schedule, format & timings

• Venue: Le Golf National
• To win: 14½ points from the 28 available are needed to win the Ryder Cup. As holders, USA will retain the trophy if it finishes 14-14.
• TV: Sky Sports

Friday morning, 0710 BST start

• 4x Fourball matches (better ball)

* Both players in each pairing play their own ball. A hole is won by the team whose member has the lowest score.

Friday afternoon, 1250 BST start

• 4x Foursomes matches (alternate shot)

* Both players in each pairing take it in turns to play one ball. A hole is won by the team who completes it in the fewest shots

Saturday morning, 0710 BST start

• 4x Fourball matches

Saturday afternoon, 1250 BST start

• 4x Foursomes matches

Sunday, 1105 BST start

• 12 x Singles matches

Ryder Cup: Team line-ups

EUROPE

Captain: Thomas Bjørn

Players:

• Paul Casey
• Tommy Fleetwood
• Sergio Garcia
• Tyrrell Hatton
• Rory McIlroy
• Francesco Molinari
• Alex Noren
• Thorbjørn Olesen
• Ian Poulter
• Jon Rahm
• Justin Rose
• Henrik Stenson

Vice-captains

• Luke Donald
• Padraig Harrington
• Robert Karlsson
• Graeme McDowell
• Lee Westwood

UNITED STATES

Captain: Jim Furyk

Players:

• Bryson DeChambeau
• Tony Finau
• Rickie Fowler
• Dustin Johnson
• Brooks Koepka
• Phil Mickelson
• Patrick Reed
• Webb Simpson
• Jordan Spieth
• Justin Thomas
• Bubba Watson
• Tiger Woods

Vice-captains:

• David Duval
• Zach Johnson
• Matt Kuchar
• Davis Love III
• Steve Stricker

Posted at 1845 BST on 27/09/18.

Related golf links

• Listen: Ryder Cup podcast special
• Watch: Billy Foster on Tiger Woods
• Ryder Cup profiles: Team Europe
• Ryder Cup profiles: Team USA
• Le Golf National course guide
• More golf news and betting tips
• Sky Bet’s latest golf odds