Thomas Bjorn with Francesco Molinari on Thursday
Thomas Bjorn with Francesco Molinari on Thursday

Ryder Cup 2018: Thomas Bjorn rings the changes on final day of practice in Paris


Europe captain Thomas Bjorn rang the changes on the final day of practice ahead of the 42nd Ryder Cup at Le Golf National.

And the Dane appeared to offer a hint to potential pairings for Friday's afternoon foursomes matches as the players took their final look at the course before Thursday's opening ceremony.

Rory McIlroy, Francesco Molinari, Ian Poulter and Thorbjorn Olesen made up the opening group, with Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson in group two.

Paul Casey, Sergio Garcia, Tyrrell Hatton and Alex Noren were in the final group, Noren having won the French Open at Le Golf National in July.

In contrast, US captain Jim Furyk kept Tiger Woods, Patrick Reed, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas in the same group for the second day running, with a Woods-Reed pairing looking increasingly certain.

Reed and Spieth had formed a superb partnership in 2014 and 2016, but Spieth and Thomas are close friends and it would be no surprise to see them playing together this week.

Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau were in the same group for the third day in succession and were joined by Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson, while the final group contained former partners Webb Simpson and Bubba Watson and Tony Finau and Brooks Koepka.

Sky Bet's Price Boost ahead of the Ryder Cup
Sky Bet's Price Boost ahead of the Ryder Cup


Ryder Cup 2018: Tournament 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 Fourballs 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 Fourballs 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

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