Ryder Cup day one as it happened

1. Day one score: Europe 5-3 USA
2. US win fourballs 2½-1½, Europe win foursomes 3½-½
3. Donaldson/Westwood beat Furyk/Kuchar 2 UP
4. Rose/Stenson beat Mahan/Johnson 2 and 1
5. McIlroy/Garcia v Walker/Fowler All Square
6. Dubuisson/McDowell beat Mickelson/Bradley 3 and 2

I do believe that might be me done for the day. A good, solid opening day's play at the 40th Ryder Cup, with plenty of thrills along the way. Join us again tomorrow, Andy Cryer will be kicking off day two at 07:00 BST. Night.

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Global Golf Post writer Ron Green Jr on Twitter: "If you're wondering, Spieth was '100% certain' he & Reed would play this afternoon, knowing 2 pairings would be based on morning play."

Stand by for the announcement of tomorrow morning's pairings, although it might be after I've wrapped this up. Big decisions need to be made by skippers McGinley and Watson, but I think it's safe to say Watson will be sending his rookie pairing of Spieth and Reed out again, I'd imagine they weren't very impressed with being rested this afternoon after whupping Poulter and Gallacher this morning.

BBC

Friday's foursomes Result: Europe 3½ - ½ USA

Donaldson & Westwood (Europe) beat Furyk & Kuchar (USA) 2UP

Rose & Stenson (Europe) beat Mahan & Johnson (USA) 2&1

McIlroy & Garcia (Europe) halved with Walker & Fowler (USA)

Dubuisson & McDowell (Europe) beat Mickelson & Bradley (USA) 3&2

Europe captain Paul McGinley: "We have seen in Ryder Cups over the years how important momentum is and we showed real strength of character to respond to that American surge and get blue back on the board inside six holes.

"I think that Sergio Garcia's and Rory McIlroy's halve was as a good as a win, two out of three for the rookies was not bad and now we have to maintain that momentum."

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Gleneagles

Getty Images

"If Jimmy Walker's comeback from three down this morning was a punch in the guts for Europe, Garcia's miracle three-wood to rescue a half from nowhere with Rory is sending the home galleries home with a jig and a dance. There's always talk of momentum in Ryder Cups, but if the star pairing of McIlroy and Sergio had ended pointless from their two matches on the opening day, the home charge might have felt stalled on the grid."

Rory McIlroy speaking to Sky Sports: "We were making life difficult for ourselves out there. I don't think we were playing from the fairway very much, but we wanted to at least ask them the question and make them play down 18.

"We had two tough matches today and at least we have a half point to show for it."

BBC Radio 5 live

Paul McGinley: "I think it just shows real strength of character. America got a big momentum switch towards the end of the morning session and for our guys to react shows a real strength of character.

"All the rookies should be proud today, I just said to Tom Watson. Sometimes you go out and you lose though, that happens in the Ryder Cup. That half point for Sergio and Rory was huge. I'm sure they're buzzing in the team room right now."

Europe move into box seat

That will feel like a clean sweep for Europe, though still no side has won all four matches in a session for 25 years - via Golf Channel statistician Justin Ray: Last time a team swept a session was Europe in 1989 Fri. afternoon four-ball.

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Graeme McDowell: "That was a lot of fun today. It was a long wait this morning having to sit out and watch the boys play. Victor and I were really fired up to play. This kid right here is the next superstar in Europe; this kid is really, really good."

Victor Dubuisson: "Yesterday I was a little bit nervous, it was tough to get some positive excitement because I was really nervous, really stressed. But to get on the tee was a dream, it was fantastic, I completely de-stressed. A big thanks to Graeme, it's very new for me and he's been fantastic for me."

So, Europe lead 5-3 after day one of the 40th Ryder Cup, which you have to say is magnificent. Tough conditions out there, so it wasn't always blitzkrieg golf, but it was the Europeans who adapted better. Nice little interview with McDowell and Dubuisson on the telly, with the Northern Irishman announcing his partner as "the next superstar of European golf". Quite the tribute.

BreakingDubuisson & McDowell v Mickelson & Bradley

Europe up

McDowell has curled it in from range! What a win, what an afternoon for Europe, the Americans left reeling...

Dubuisson with a faint smile as he makes his way to the 16th green, the smile of a man who knows all the ladies in the bar love him but he's going to bide his time and have a long drink anyway. Bradley cosies his ball up to the hole, McDowell has a putt for the match...

McDowell and Bradley lay up at 16, they're all out there watching now, with only one match left on the course. Mickelson leaves his third short, leaves the door open for Dubuisson to storm the place and do some damage. Smashing shot, the Americans could be dead...

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Kate Lynham: Yessssss Rory McIlroy...just fist pumped at my desk...don't even care who knows I'm listening at work anymore!

PA

James Leeson: Sat on the 6.06 to Frome from Paddington and just smashed my knees on the table when Rory nailed that putt.

Via text on 81111

Daz and Shaz on Ba322 to Paris: Made schoolboy error of booking wedding anniversary trip to Paris on Ryder cup weekend! Sat on Tarmac at heathrow. Just yelled out when Rory holed his putt on 17! Come on Europe!

BBC

Projected Overall Score: Europe 5 - 3 USA

Friday's foursomes latest scores:

Donaldson & Westwood (Europe) beat Furyk & Kuchar (USA) 2UP

Rose & Stenson (Europe) beat Mahan & Johnson (USA) 2&1

McIlroy & Garcia (Europe) halved with Walker & Fowler (USA)

Dubuisson & McDowell (Europe) v Mickelson & Bradley (USA) - Europe 2UP after 15

Dubuisson & McDowell v Mickelson & Bradley

Mickelson misses the fairway with his tee shot at 16, Dubuisson does the same, both down the left...

Garcia & McIlroy v Fowler & Walker

Nicolas Colsaerts

2012 Ryder Cup player from Belgium

We had an unbelievable view from the grandstand, that three wood from Garcia bounced like a butterfly with sore feet. What an exceptional shot from the rough. That showed character especially the way they were down on 16.

McIlroy and Garcia were buried in it up to their necks at 17, with Walker standing over a three-foot putt and McIlroy taking aim from 25 feet - but that's the glory of this event, sometimes you have to kill your opponents over and over again, go back and kill them again, and even then they might not be dead.

McIlroy & Garcia v Fowler & Walker

... Fowler can't make it and somehow McIlroy and Garcia have got away with a half...

I'm not sure how cold it is out there but Jose Maria Olazabal looks like Captain Oates, about to go outside. McIlroy's eagle putt misses by a few inches, meaning Fowler has this uphill putt for the half and the match...

Walker can see the whole of the ball and he has form from the sand today, but that's only OK when he could have done with terrific. Fowler will have a 15-footer for birdie, McIlroy with a slippery one for eagle...

Reuters

Fowler going with driver from the fairway again but lightning does not strike twice, this time he's found the front bunker. Garcia has actually got a decent line in and he's going with rescue. "Get it up there," is Rory's uncomplicated advice and he does just that, sticking it on the back of the green. McIlroy putting for eagle, Walker with a tough bunker escape. Game on.

Dubuisson in the middle of the 15th fairway and that's a fine approach. Barely a twitch from the Frenchman. Mickelson matches him, though, it's a putt-off between McDowell and Bradley...

Garcia & McIlroy v Fowler & Walker

Bernard Gallacher

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live

That's what really gets the crowd going. Anything can happen up 18 at this stage.

... the force is back with the US, Rory has plonked his tee shot into nonsense on 18. Walker safer, but he's still in rough and far shorter than Rory was, it might even be advantage Europe...

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

Europe up

Walker cosies his chip to within a few feet of the hole, time for Rory to sweep in and do some damage. His birdie putt is about 40 feet... HAVE THAT! That's a monster and it's given Europe hope. Never in doubt and as McIlroy and Garcia make their way to the 18th tee they resemble two small boys fleeing the scene of some tremendous jape. The force is with them...

Dubuisson & McDowell v Mickelson & Bradley

Mickelson leaves his birdie putt left and short and the 14th is halved, the Americans running out of holes in that match.

McDowell has a lie and he has a line. Only problem is, he can't see anything. But that's pretty decent, giving Dubuisson something to work with. On 17, Fowler has slightly overcooked his tee shot, can Garcia come to the party? That's pretty good, gives McIlroy a birdie chance.

McIlroy & Garcia v Walker & Fowler

Walker for the match at 16, from about 12 feet. Slippery downhiller, not easy, it ducks left, but leaks right at the last. Europe alive. Just.

Reuters

Ian Poulter's not one to let a thumping fourballs defeat get him down and he's out and about cheering on the team with his oven gloves on. That's poor from Mickelson, missing the fairway with an iron at 14, before Dubuisson hoicks his approach miles left. Nothing enigmatic about that, it was awful.

Dubuisson & McDowell v Mickelson & Bradley

USA up

Ryder Cup latest

Mickelson and Bradley have got a shot back at 13, they're not out of that match just yet. Fowler weighing up his options at 16 as McIlroy watches from the middle of the fairway, grinning with his arms folded. Shot of the day! He has absolutely smoked that into the middle of the green, that carried about 230 yards out of the rough. An impish grin from the young American, which explodes into a broad grin after Garcia comes up short.

Walker's drive is a bit iffy on 16, up steps Rory and slaps one down the middle. McIlroy trots down the fairway and gives Garcia a little pat on the back, I get the feeling he's having to double as a counsellor today.

AP

Justin Rose speaking to Sky Sports: "It has been really, really special, winning two points today. Foursomes is such a different format and to gel today with Henrik over both formats was really great. "

On the possibility of playing five rounds over three days: "This week you do what you are told, but there is no moaning. To have the opportunity to play in this tournament is a pleasure and a privilege."

Henrik Stenson: "I think we played even better in the afternoon, the striking was certainly better on my side. I have to thank him for making that shot on 12 after leaving him hanging with a difficult putt."

To stick or twist on Garcia and McIlroy?

Bernard Gallacher

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live

I would keep faith here and send them out first thing in the morning. They'll be angry with today.

McIlroy & Garcia v Walker & Fowler

USA up

Ryder Cup latest

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McIlroy and Garcia are drowning out there, two down with three to play and I'm not sure they've got enough puff to stay above water. At least McIlroy is on tee at 16...

Dubuisson has got a decent lie but he's also got a dirty great tree right in front of him. But that's not bad, managed to fizz it under the branches and just short and right of the green. Mickelson at 13, finds the guts of the green.

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Gleneagles

"Come on Doobs!" yells a half-cut voice in the hospitality barns by the 12th. The Big V not called into action this time, however, after McDowell's parachute from the greenside bunker snatches another precious hole and leaves Mickelson's trademark heavy tread a fraction weightier still."

Andrew Cotter

BBC Sport commentator

Between the 11th and 12th, Victor Dubuisson answered a little call of nature and then moments later realised he'd forgotten his putter in the gentleman's room.

Walker into the 15th and that's safe as houses. McDowell at 13, leaking his drive well right. McIlroy in trouble on 15 and he's only able to nudge it down the fairway, that's looking like an American banker given the way that European pair are playing.

Dubuisson & McDowell v Mickelson & Bradley

Europe up

Mickelson and Bradley are in a world of trouble back on the 13th tee, they've just gone three down to Dubuisson and McDowell...

BreakingRose & Stenson v Mahan & Johnson

Europe up

Rose bangs in a three-footer for the match at 17, six birdies in 17 holes in some iffy conditions, that's difficult golf to contend with.

McIlroy and Garcia did indeed walk off the 14th with a half, only for Garcia to find rough with his tee shot at 15. Some choice language after that effort, although whatever McIlroy is saying inside his head will be far worse.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Lee Westwood: We shot four under par, that's high-quality foursomes with a 25-mile an hour wind blowing. The Ryder Cup's always nervy, but when you're on your ninth you get used to it. If you can't raise your game for the Ryder Cup then you can't for anything.

McIlroy can't make the most of Garcia's naughty recovery at 14, just missing to the left. Walker's putt to win the hole misses by a whisker, I'll tell you what happened next when they come back from an ad break. McDowell into 12 and he plonks his ball into a bunker, with his rivals well short in two.

Garcia off the concrete at 14 and he manages to pull it off, super shot. Rose at 17 and he's going with six iron down the hill... right into the heart, nothing wrong with that. Johnson takes aim, fires - after tossing a few blades of grass - and very nearly sticks it in. Just misses the cup and bounds to the back of the green.

Rose & Stenson v Mahan & Johnson

Walker on tee at 14 and he lays it up. McIlroy, in contrast, went with driver and yanked it left into the crowd. On 16, Johnson has a four-footer for birdie and he rams it home for a half to stay in touch with two to play.

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Jamie Donaldson: "It's a battle; we've played as well as I think we can play there. That first tee is like a sudden death play-off in a major - it feels like there's 20,000 people on one hole. It's incredible. It's an awesome event to play in."

Lee Westwood: "I have as much fun playing as I do watching someone take to it like a duck to water."

Westwood on song

With that win, Lee Westwood takes his Ryder Cup points tally to 22. The European and overall record is 25 held by, fellow Englishman Sir Nick Faldo. Between Faldo and Westwood on the list are Langer, Montgomerie, Casper, Palmer and Ballesteros. That's some company he's keeping.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

Interesting secret psychology going on out here. A phalanx of US players and their partners followed the first match, with Stars and Stripes aplenty. For Europe, only Thomas Bjorn, sitting out the afternoon session, was in attendance. But then captain Paul McGinley appeared and soon a buggy arrived with vice-captain Des Smyth and a number of caddies to swell European ranks. Coincidence, or smart thinking?

BreakingDonaldson & Westwood v Furyk & Kuchar

Europe up

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Furyk with a beauty of a chip at 18 but it can't patch up the mistake by Kuchar, the damage is done, Donaldson and Westwood walk away with the win and Europe level the match.

McIlroy & Garcia v Fowler & Walker

USA up

Ryder Cup latest

Garcia and McIlroy did indeed get a shot back at 13, they're only one behind now. McIlroy gives his partner a hug of encouragement and off they trot to the 14th...

Kuchar at 18, just short of the green and he's made a serious dog's dinner of it, his ball rolling back down the bank. Tom Watson looks on and smiles a deathly smile...

Dubuisson with his second into 11, with wedge, and he's safely on. A little grimace, albeit a mysterious one, of course. Fowler's third at 13 doesn't grip, McIlroy and Garcia should get back to within one shot.

Walker with 172 yards left to the 13th and that's pretty good from where he was. But McIlroy and Garcia aren't far from the flag. Westwood with three wood into 18... gives it some humpty, starts walking after it, misses front left.

BBC coverage

Coverage continues on 5 live sports extra - don't be fooled if you see a cricketing image when you click on the 'Live Coverage' tab at the top of this page.

Rose & Stenson v Mahan & Johnson

Europe up

Reuters

Stenson drains a shortish putt to give he and Rose the lead against Mahan and Johnson after 15...

Dubuisson & McDowell v Mickelson & Bradley

Europe up

Getty Images

Dubuisson pops in for a winning par at 10 and that means he and McDowell are two up again against Mickelson and Bradley...

McIlroy & Garcia v Fowler & Walker

Bernard Gallacher

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live

I know Rory and Sergio are the best in the world really but things haven't really happened for them. In general it's been a little bit of a struggle.

Donaldson & Westwood v Furyk & Kuchar

... better news for Europe on 17, Donaldson and Westwood remain one up against Furyk and Kuchar after a fine putt by Donaldson. Apologies, I think I mentioned earlier that that match was all square, it wasn't...

McIlroy & Garcia v Fowler & Walker

USA up

Garcia for par at 12 and he leaves it left, before Fowler steps up, holes his putt and opens up a two-hole lead...

McIlroy with a decent enough chip at 12, here's Walker and he's well inside him. Mahan from the rough at 15 and it's short and right and in cabbage, Stenson is in some fluffy stuff and he finds the apron at the back.

Garcia playing from rough at 12, after another iffy drive by McIlroy, and they're stuck in second gear at the moment. Fowler can't take advantage, his approach is short and right. Furyk with his tee shot at 17 and that's a doozy, right at the pin. All of a sudden the European house is looking rickety in this Gleneagles breeze, as Westwood tugs his tee shot long.

Donaldson & Westwood v Furyk & Kuchar

USA up

Ryder Cup latest

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Furyk to win the 16th, from about five feet. Furyk taking his time, as if the future of civilisation depended on it, before sweeping the ball into the cup. There's that American arrow again and we've got a few drops of rain, so I'm told.

Rose & Stenson v Mahan & Johnson

USA up

Ryder Cup latest

All of a sudden, these American blows are starting to find their mark - Stenson and Rose are now all square with Mahan and Johnson after 14, Mahan holing an eight-footer.

McIlroy & Garcia v Fowler & Walker

USA up

Ryder Cup latest

Fowler makes his shortish putt at 11 to sneak ahead of misfiring McIlroy and Garcia. Meanwhile on nine, Mickelson and Bradley get back to within one hole of Dubuisson and McDowell. The tide beginning to turn?

If Westwood wins this match, he moves ahead of American legend Lanny Wadkins and into sixth on the all-time Ryder Cup scorers' list with 22 points. Here's Bradley on nine and that's feather-light stuff, leaving partner Mickelson a two-footer.

BBC

Projected Overall Score: Europe 5-3 USA

Friday's foursomes latest scores:

Donaldson & Westwood (Europe) v Furyk & Kuchar (USA) - Europe 2UP after 15

Rose & Stenson (Europe) v Mahan & Johnson (USA) - Europe 1UP after 13

McIlroy & Garcia (Europe) v Walker & Fowler (USA) - All Square after 10

Dubuisson & McDowell (Europe) v Mickelson & Bradley (USA) - Europe 2UP after 8

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Donaldson rattles a drive down the 16th, the Welshman has taken to this Ryder Cup caper with relish. Kuchar threads the needle between bunker and rough, the Americans with the advantage. Walker with 120 yards to the pin at 11 and that's a peach, hands as soft as soap suds. McIlroy with 106 - good, but not that good.

Rose & Stenson v Mahan & Johnson

Rose almost makes another longun disappear at 13 but it comes up a couple of revolutions short. Johnson with a chip to win the hole... PUNCHES THE AIR! Ball lips out. Nobody likes to see that, hole halved.

McIlroy & Garcia v Fowler & Walker

Garcia looking to chip in for two at 10, lovely stuff, McIlroy has a couple of feet for par. Rose sets Stenson up at 13 with a thread-needle drive and Stenson pops on in two. Furyk for birdie at 15, from about 20 feet, starts it out right and it stays right. Fowler for the hole at 10... breaks just too soon, that hole halved.

Andrew Magee

American golfer on BBC Radio 5 live

PA

People in the States don't play foursomes. Maybe for some fun in the afternoon with beers, but rarely do we play alternate shot.

Dubuisson & McDowell v Mickelson & Bradley

USA up

Ryder Cup latest

McIlroy on tee at the par-three 10th and he's carried it a few feet too far. The Americans in a not dissimilar position. McDowell and Dubuisson three-putt at eight, throw Mickelson and Bradley a lifeline.

McIlroy & Garcia v Walker & Fowler

Dubuisson for birdie at eight, leaves it short. McIlroy and Garcia manage to salvage a half at nine but they're struggling to hold things together.

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Gleneagles

"Loathe as anyone should be to reinforce old stereotypes about the Americans not being hugely fond of the French, but Victor Dubuisson's Gallic flair is currently getting right on the wick of previously indestructible pairing Mickelson and Bradley. To some eyes Victor's goatee and floppy fringe bring to mind D'Artagnan, to others a slightly overweight computer programmer. Either way, the Gleneagles galleries are taking him to their slightly cold bosom."

Donaldson & Westwood v Furyk & Kuchar

Mahan from 25 feet for the hole at 12. Leaves it left, but Rose has work to do. Donaldson is cranking it up at the 14th, drains that putt Westwood left him and they could go three up. No, Kuchar parries. Rose now at 12 and he's holed another clutch putt for a crucial half. The Americans swinging plenty, but Europe blocking most of their blows.

Who is Victor Dubuisson? I have no idea, but have a listen to this clip from 5 live and you might get at least an inkling. Westwood on 14, from some cabbage. But what a shot that is, gives Donaldson a birdie chance. Furyk very nearly holes his approach, touche.

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James Brimson: Rory will definitely win this point. I can't imagine being mugged in the 18th will sit well

Carl Dunne: Dubuisson with the spirit of D'Artagnan here

BBC

Projected Overall Score: Europe 5-3 USA

Friday's foursomes latest scores

Donaldson & Westwood (Europe) v Furyk & Kuchar (USA) - Europe 2UP after 13

Rose & Stenson (Europe) v Mahan & Johnson (USA) - Europe 1UP after 11

McIlroy & Garcia (Europe) v Walker & Fowler (USA) - All Square after 8

Dubuisson & McDowell (Europe) v Mickelson & Bradley (USA) - Europe 3UP after 7

Dubuisson and McDowell remain three up after a half at seven. Kuchar sweeps his tee shot down the 14th, I believe Europe's tee shot was somewhat awry. Johnson with his second up the hill at 12... cracking approach, gives his buddy a chance. McIlroy and Garcia summoning the spirit of Seve in this round, here's Rory in the sand at nine after another errant tee shot by Garcia. I think that ricocheted off the face.

Donaldson & Westwood v Furyk & Kuchar

Donaldson and Westwood proving too solid for Furyk and Kuchar at the moment, they've halved 13. For all his glories as a strokeplay golfer, Furyk has a pretty average record in Ryder Cups with nine wins and 17 losses in 30 matches.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

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I was just typing about what a quiet afternoon it's been on the course when two bombs go off in quick succession. First from somewhere on the front nine (McIlroy, it turns out) and then Rose drains one on 11. "Typical," says one bloke. "We've waited there for an hour and a half and the minute we leave something happens."

McIlroy & Garcia v Walker & Fowler

McIlroy drains a longun at eight, only for Walker to hold his nerve and sink his birdie putt - that match rocking and rolling towards a conclusion.

Rose & Stenson v Mahan & Johnson

Kuchar parachuting into 13, all over the flag. Johnson for birdie on 11 and if he'd hit that a little bit harder it would have dropped. Rose, on the other hand, hits his and it disappears, Europe nip ahead again.

BBC Radio 5 live

US vice-captain Andy North: "I think you're going to see a lot of weird things happen because the course is playing so hard. If you don't drive the ball straight anything can happen."

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

Thousands of people enjoy the September sunshine and glorious views of the Ochil Hills on the vast banks to the left of the ninth as Rose/Stenson and Johnson/Mahan play through. There are troops of Minnesota Vikings (with horns), face painted Euros, crazy hats, Stars and Stripes jeans, natty blazers. And lots of golf casual. When the crowd concertinas at a pinch point by the 10th tee, a temporary thicket of periscopes pokes into the Perth sky.

PA

Stenson with that whippy swing of his and he finds the 11th green safely enough. Mahan was in a better position and that's no great shakes from there. Garcia with a wedge into eight after a pearling drive from McIlroy. Finds the heart, McIlroy with a birdie chance. Fowler takes aim and he's all over the stick, Walker will have a putt hitting through a valley.

Donaldson & Westwood v Furyk & Kuchar

Westwood and Donaldson halve the 12th to remain two up against Furyk and Kuchar and here's Westwood missing the fairway off the tee at 13. Not that Donaldson looks bothered, here's the Welshman getting stuck into a sandwich while leaning on his bag. Furyk safely away...

McIlroy & Garcia v Walker & Fowler

USA up

Ryder Cup latest

Walker pops in to win the hole and he and Fowler regain parity with McIlroy and Garcia, who are howling hot and cold out there.

Mickelson follows Dubuisson on at six. McIlroy for a four at seven and he doesn't give it enough, that match back to all square, by the looks of things. Stenson made that four-footer, that match remains all square.

As it stands Europe are up in three foursomes, the US up in one. Johnson for birdie at the par-three 10th... long way out and that's a pretty good effort. Westwood with his second into 12, from bang-middle, leaks it right. Dubuisson on tee at six, safely onto the short stuff. Rose at 10, for the win... over the cellophane bridge, leaves Stenson with a knee-knocker.

Get involved

Donald Draper: V Dub starting to edge ahead of Thierry Henry in the coolest man on the planet stakes

Brian: Westy putting well today, a shot directly at his critics (myself included) who say he can't putt.

Dubuisson & McDowell v Mickelson & Bradley

Europe up

McIlroy catches his second thin at seven, the Americans look like getting back to all square. Mahan on tee at the par-three 10th, playing 211 yards. Right into the guts of the green. Mickelson for a half at five, from about 12 feet, and another one lips out, Europe opening up a sizable gap down the back straight.

BBC

Friday's foursomes: Projected overall score - Europe 5-3 USA

Donaldson & Westwood (Europe) v Furyk & Kuchar (USA) - Europe 2UP after 11

Rose & Stenson (Europe) v Mahan & Johnson (USA) - All Square after 9

McIlroy & Garcia (Europe) v Walker & Fowler (USA) - Europe 1UP after 6

Dubuisson & McDowell (Europe) v Mickelson & Bradley (USA) - Europe 3UP after 5

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Gleneagles

Getty Images

"Fist bumps and steely looks between Maverick Frenchman (TM) Victor Dubuisson and his partner/minder Graeme McDowell as they wriggle two up. Mickelson's missed putt from four feet on the fourth is greeted with a raised eyebrow and half-hidden grin from watching vice-captain Padraig Harrington. Vive la entente cordiale."

Rose & Stenson v Mahan & Johnson

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Bradley stalking his ball at five before popping on his chip, but that's a bit heavy-handed. Johnson with a putt for eagle at nine and he, too, has failed to give it the hammer. A half in birdies, that match remains all square.

Donaldson & Westwood v Furyk & Kuchar

Europe up

Furyk for birdie at 11, from about 12 feet... right on target but comes up short, not for the first time today. Mickelson with his second at five, over-cooks it slightly. Westwood to win the hole at 11, from about 15 feet - NAILED IT! Europe have got this afternoon by the lapels at the moment.

Thanks Steph. You join me and I join you as Garcia over-compensates for that horror hook on five with a slice at seven. Here's Fowler on tee and he nails his tee shot. McIlroy with work to do. Dubuisson into the fifth and that's a pretty good effort.

That board is changing rapidly, but blue is the colour once again. Europe up in three, but that was the case this morning. I'm done, here's Ben Dirs.

McIlroy & Garcia v Walker & Fowler

Europe up

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Sergio! All is forgiven after that awful drive on the fifth. On the sixth green, a moment of brilliance. Thirty feet, right to left, in the left of the cup for a birdie. Rickie Fowler for a half, never looks like going in. Europe back up.

Dubuisson & McDowell v Mickelson & Bradley

Europe up

My word, you'd have your mortgage, car and first born on Phil Mickelson holing this for a half. He could have tapped it in with a butter knife. It lips out, putting Victor Dubuisson and Graeme McDowell two up. Remember, Mickelson and Keegan Bradley have won every one of the four matches they have played together.

Donaldson & Westwood v Furyk & Kuchar

Karen Stupples

Solheim Cup winner on BBC Radio 5 live

There's not been much in this match but I will say in terms of ball striking the European pair are hitting the ball better.

McIlroy & Garcia v Walker & Fowler

USA up

Ryder Cup latest

Two putts for the hole, Jimmy Walker only needs one. In a flash, the US have two strips of white on the board. That hole loss all came from that Sergio Garcia drive, one of the worst you'll ever see from a pro golfer. You know when you go the range, ping against the fence and hope no one has seen? It was worse than that.

Rose & Stenson v Mahan & Johnson

Europe down

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Justin Rose, what have you done? To tidy up from no distance, sending it out the back door. From two up, Europe have been pegged back to all square. The all-blue board is broken and Jimmy Walker and Rickie Fowler could also be about to peg back Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia.

McIlroy & Garcia v Walker & Fowler

That drive of Garcia's on five sent Rory McIlroy back to the tee, but some top bombing has got Europe to the green in four. Could still be a par and a half. On eight, Henrik Stenson for the win, just pushing it by with the wind.

Westwood & Donaldson v Furyk & Kuchar

Plenty happening. Wonderful approach from Dubuisson on three, 10 feet from the flag, Matt Kuchar missing a birdie putt on nine, Phil Mickelson matching Dubuisson. Jamie Donaldson to win the hole on nine, but that goes by on the right. Europe lead at the turn.

Rose & Stenson v Mahan & Johnson

"I need help, here," says Zach Johnson as he ponders his approach to the eighth. Help with what, Zach? That's not bad, but one level above the pin. What on earth has these chaps come dressed as? European fans, dressed as Morph, with what can only be described as mushroomheads. Unreal.

EPA

Get involved

John: Graeme McDowell and Victor Dubuisson have their work cut out for them this afternoon. This Mickelson/Bradley partnership has now yielded 4 victories from 4 outings in Ryder Cup matchplay. G-Mac is going to have to lead and guide the rookie around the course today.

Ali in Aberdeen: Winning combination has to be Rose and The Iceman. Absolute unit.

McIlroy & Garcia v Walker & Fowler

Very nice from Rory McIlroy, a clutch to stay one up after four, but it could be undone by Sergio Garcia's horrible drive on the fifth. Way, way, way left, disturbing the squirrels.

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Kate Lynham: Rose the absolute star of the day. So good to see him leading the way. But think Rory will grow into this & be our Sunday star!

Thomas Atkinson: Justin Rose playing sensationally today. Oddly reminding me of a Poulter of days gone by.

Brian: I really dislike Hunter Mahan's hat.

Your thoughts the players and accessories of the day are coming in on #bbcrydercup and 81111 on text.

BBC

Projected Overall Score: Europe 5½ - 2½ USA

Foursomes Latest Scores:

Donaldson & Westwood (Europe) v Furyk & Kuchar (USA) - Europe 1UP after 8

Rose & Stenson (Europe) v Mahan & Johnson (USA) - Europe 1UP after 7

McIlroy & Garcia (Europe) v Walker & Fowler (USA) - Europe 1UP after 3

Dubuisson & McDowell (Europe) v Mickelson & Bradley (USA) - Europe 1UP after 2

Getty Images

Jim Furyk's arrival in the contest means a first airing for caddy Fluff Cowan's soupstrainer of a moustache.

If the match goes to facial hair, I think that gives the Americans an advantage over Victor Dubuisson's goatee.

Dubuisson & McDowell v Mickelson & Bradley

Europe up

See that? It's an entirely blue board. Victor Dubuisson's long eagle putt is close enough for Graeme McDowell not to have to tap in for birdie. Europe are ahead in all four matches on the course, though Hunter Mahan and Zach Johnson have got one back on Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson. That means all four matches are one up to Europe.

Andrew Cotter

BBC Sport commentator

AFP

Victor Dubuisson has an army of friends out with him and they couldn't look more French. One almost looks like he's wearing a beret. They're unshaven and stylish.

McIlroy & Garcia v Walker & Fowler

Europe up

More blue on the board as Sergio Garcia's monster putt on three takes advantage of an American dropped stroke. Europe up in three this afternoon, with the other match all square.

Westwood & Donaldson v Furyk & Kuchar

If this was a fashion contest - which, in some ways, it is - Europe are winning. The US jumpers with the Ryder Cup sewn in loom like something your nan would give you for Christmas, while their array of hats is startling. I've even seen a bobble hat. Keegan Bradley is wearing one set of blue laces and one set of red. Anyway, Jamie Donaldson to win on eight...just past the hole.

BBC Radio 5 live

European vice-captain Des Smyth: "We put out a pretty strong team this morning so we wanted to play all 12 guys today. That's the nature of the tournament and it could be us that pull something out of the bag this afternoon. I wouldn't like to be gambler on any of these matches."

McIlroy in some nasty stuff on three, has to give it some welly just to reach the edge of the green. Well played, sir. Top group already on the eighth fairway, Jim Furyk hunting the pin with a slide down the slope. Nice. Lee Westwood's turn, even better. Putting competition to come.

BBC

Friday's foursomes: Projected overall score - Europe 4½-3½ USA

Donaldson & Westwood (Europe) v Furyk & Kuchar (USA) - Europe 1UP after 7

Rose & Stenson (Europe) v Mahan & Johnson (USA) - Europe 2UP after 6

McIlroy & Garcia (Europe) v Walker & Fowler (USA) - A/S after 2

Dubuisson & McDowell (Europe) v Mickelson & Bradley (USA) - A/S after 1

Get involved

We were promised it was going to be tight and tense, nip and tuck, dodge and dive...

And so it has proved.

Who has been your player of the day? Which is the winning combination that the captain are missing? Which bit of kit do you most fancy for yourself in the two teams' Ryder Cup wardrobes?

Your thoughts on all those and all other Gleneagles goings-on are welcome on #bbcrydercup on Twitter or 81111 on text.

Rose & Stenson v Mahan & Johnson

Iain Carter

BBC golf correspondent on Radio 5 live

The putter of Justin Rose is on fire, it's really working remarkably. He showed his fist to the crowd after that one.

Rose & Stenson v Mahan & Johnson

European putts are dropping. From 10 feet on the sixth, Justin Rose is in for birdie. Hunter Mahan was through the back of the green, so Europe move two up. Just as it was early this morning, the top half of the leaderboard is blue. The bottom two matches are all-square after two and one holes respectively.

Donaldson & Westwood v Furyk & Kuchar

Alistair Bruce-Ball

BBC Radio 5 live commentator

You only have to look at the trousers of the players to see how strong this wind is. Lee Westwood was almost struggling to stand up there.

Nick Faldo, record Ryder Cup points scorer: "That was a seriously good momentum shift for America. A couple of European guys will be kicking themselves, Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia made a real mess of 18. But it is seriously windy and rough and tough out there, just hitting a solid shot is a tall order. As for Ian Poulter, it's a tough one for him. He had big expectations on him but this is not the week to come in when you're not feeling great about your game."

Westwood & Donaldson v Furyk & Kuchar

Europe up

Four feet, one to dolly in. Right to left, I fancy, wind whipping through the rookie's trousers. Twice he steps back. Then...in the hole! From one down, Europe are one up.

Rose & Stenson v Mahan & Johnson

Henrik Stenson follows Hunter Mahan in, heading for the sixth one up. Matt Kuchar in the breeze on seven, holing will give him at least a half...missed on the right. Donaldson for the win...

Par-putting competition on the fifth, with Hunter Mahan doing his bit. Europe have to hole to half. On seven, Lee Westwood digs Jamie Donaldson out of danger.

Dubuisson & McDowell v Mickelson & Bradley

Back on the first tee for the last time today, Keegan Bradley going far left into deep rough, but that's sitting up. Phil Mickelson probably prefers it there, anyway. Graeme McDowell from under his beanie, leaving Victor Dubuisson on the nice stuff.

Westwood & Donaldson v Furyk & Kuchar

Kuchar in the the sand on the par-four seventh, his chip short of the green. Donaldson from the baize, his chip really not good enough. Too much turf, short of the table-top. Garcia/McIlroy and Walker/Fowler halved the first.

Ryder Cup

Friday's foursomes scores

Donaldson & Westwood (Europe) v Furyk & Kuchar (USA) - A/S after 6

Rose & Stenson (Europe) v Mahan & Johnson (USA) - 1UP after 4

McIlroy & Garcia (Europe) v Walker & Fowler (USA) - Currently playing 1st hole

Dubuisson & McDowell (Europe) v Mickelson & Bradley (USA) - Yet to tee off

Fifth hole, Justin Rose with a monster for birdie. No putter, a three wood to get it in range. Nice. Garcia with a biggie of his own for a win on one, not quite big enough. Par for Europe, waiting to see if they ask the US to putt...

Now then, Jimmy Walker at the first, doing some good work with the wedge to leave Rickie Fowler three feet for par. Back on the tee, the only two men we are yet to see in this Ryder Cup - Graeme McDowell and Victor Dubuisson - are on their way.

Westwood & Donaldson v Furyk & Kuchar

Europe up

Lee Westwood! Ten feet, right to left, dead weight...in she goes! The old man of the European team gets his pair back on terms.

Westwood & Donaldson v Furyk & Kuchar

Bernhard Gallacher led three Ryder Cups, so Mrs G will definitely know a thing or two. Kuchar was too long to the sixth, but he's nearly dug out of trouble by Jim Furyk. The chip lips out. Westwood for the win...

Bernard Gallacher

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live

During the morning my wife texted me and said 'we need more noise on the course, more support for the Europeans'. We seem to have that this afternoon.

Westwood & Donaldson v Furyk & Kuchar

European captain Paul McGinley looks serious, whereas his US counterpart Tom Watson is beaming down the camera like a proud father. Matt Kuchar on the sixth tee, not great. Donaldson behind him, hunting the flag. Lee Westwood will have a chance.

McIlroy & Garcia v Walker & Fowler

Ryder Cup

Tee-shot

Rickie Fowler, jacket that looks bulletproof, has the big stick in hand, waving to the crowd as his name is announced. He belts off in the sunshine, landing on the best bit. Sergio Garcia takes the odd-numbered holes for Europe, following Fowler down the fairway. We're off.

Here they come again, Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia stomping down the windy road and through the tunnel, taking the bend to come into view of the grandstand. Something to prove after a losing morning? The world numbers one and three are lifted by a rousing reception, shaking hands with Jimmy Walker and Rickie Fowler.

Westwood & Donaldson v Furyk & Kuchar

Rory McIlroy isn't using his 30-minute break to rest, he's on the range alongside the Musketeeer Victor Dubuisson. Westwood with a biggie to win five - not enough beans. Hole halved, the US still one up.

Course guide

5th (Crookit Cratur)

Getty Images

Par four, 461 yards

A narrow tee shot, with trees and hills on either side. Dangers include a bog mire short of the green and a bunker left of the green. One of the tougher front nine challenges.

Up ahead, Jamie Donaldson is approaching the par-four fifth, finding the dancefloor. Almost time for McIlroy and Garcia to re-appear.

Rose & Stenson v Mahan & Johnson

Rose has left Stenson at least 10 feet for birdie. The surly Swede looks at it from both sides of the hole, then settles over the ball. Silence... ball breaking left to right... just passing by the left. Hunter Mahan for the win, but he creeps by too. Halved in fours.

The Garcia/McIlroy, Mickelson/Bradley delay means there's more hanging about for Jimmy Walker, Rickie Fowler, Graeme McDowell and Victor Dubuisson. McDowell, white beanie on his head, is spending some extra time on the range. It's very windy out there, the flag fluttering with gusto as Justin Rose chips in to the third green. Both teams have work to do there.

US captain Tom Watson: "This whole early morning was pretty much an ebb from the US standpoint, and then we got some flow going. Fortunately we're a couple of paces ahead at the moment but it's a marathon."

And asked about the decision to stand down rookies Spieth and Reed for the fourballs, a smiling Watson added: "They were very upset with me for not playing them in the afternoon - but they'll play again tomorrow."

Donaldson & Westwood v Furyk & Kuchar

USA up

Ryder Cup latest

For all the good work that Rose and Stenson are doing, they need some help. After three holes, Lee Westwood and Jamie Donaldson are one down against Jim Furyk and Matt Kuchar. Donaldson, remember, is playing in his first Ryder Cup match.

BBC

Reuters

"We didn't have our best stuff, it was tough conditions," says Phil Mickelson after his dramatic fourballs win with Keegan Bradley. "The eagle that Keegan made on 16 was huge because it gave us huge momentum coming down the stretch."

Bradley adds: "You can't explain it - it's like you've drunk 500 cups of coffee at once. It's just a blast, I'm having the time of my life again."

Rose & Stenson v Mahan & Johnson

Europe up

Boom! Europe need a good start to the afternoon after that disappointing end to the morning and, their pair of the day so far, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson, are one up after two. Rose with the putter, rolling it in from 10 feet. Hunter Mahan and Zach Johnson go behind.

Thanks, Ben. I think it's right to say those morning fourballs were "fluctuating". At one point, Europe were up in three of them, only to end the session a point down. The afternoon is already under way, but Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy must have 30 minutes off before they head back out. What do you do in those 30 minutes? What do Ryder Cup golfers have for lunch?

Iain Carter

BBC golf correspondent on Radio 5 live

That is a huge win for the Americans because not only does it give them the point advantage but also it reinforces the legend of Bradley and Mickelson. The Americans' other strong partnership was blown away so Tom Watson needed them to pull through. It's so, so tight and I expect it to continue in the same vein until Sunday.

BBC

Friday's fourballs results

Rose & Stenson (Europe) beat Watson & Simpson (USA) 5&4

Bjorn & Kaymer (Europe) halved with Fowler & Walker (USA)

Gallacher & Poulter (Europe) lost to Spieth & Reed (USA) 5&4

Garcia & McIlroy (Europe) lost to Bradley & Mickelson (USA) 1 up

Righto, that's me for a bit, here's Stephan Shemilt for a bit. Remember, we have a break as McIlroy and Garcia have to put their feet up before they are sent out again for the foursomes.

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

USA up

Ryder Cup latest

Mickelson has got a two-footer for the match after Garcia sinks his par putt... no mistakes, Europe have been mugged in that one, rather sauntering down a dark alley which they mistakenly thought was safe.

McIlroy with a 10-footer for par and he slides it by. Bradley has a five-footer for the hole and the match... squeezes it by!

McIlroy with a great escape but he's now played four. Garcia really could do with making his escape disappear but while it's good, it's not good enough. Mickelson stiffs his escape, his third, to within a few feet, advantage Americans...

McIlroy's third at 18, from the middle of the fairway. That's poor, right into the bunker guarding the green. Not sure how hard it's blowing out there but they're making it look like hurricane conditions. Bradley's third is a goodun, Garcia's finds the lip of the bunker and rolls back in.

Getty Images

News reaches me that McIlroy and Garcia are entitled to a half-hour break before they go out for their foursomes match, which will rather cleave the afternoon in two. Sorry about that.

Karen Stupples

Solheim Cup winner on BBC Radio 5 live

Foursomes you really want to pair players who have really similar games. If you're a short hitter you'd hit a different club for approaches to a longer player. So it's very difficult.

Bradley comes up short with his second, here's Garcia, with 218 yards uphill. He's left that well short, some of these players aren't adapting very well to this breeze. Mickelson with a chance... big chats with caddie Mackay and now he's down to it... bunker...

Rose & Stenson v Mahan & Johnson

Zach Johnson hits his first shot of the event and it's pretty neat. Rose with a liquid swing and that's about as good as it gets with the big stick.

Donaldson & Westwood v Furyk & Kuchar

Westwood for a winning birdie at the first and it's another putt that runs out of puff. Hole halved. Back on 18, Bradley has found Ireland with his tee shot, that's not very good. Mickelson has to nail his and he does so, right in the middle of the fairway. McIlroy tugs his tee shot left as well, pressure on Sergio... what pressure?

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

Bradley makes his par, they're all square heading down the 18th as Mahan and Johnson head through the tunnel to the first tee. They're up against Rose and Stenson, who are already one point to the good today.

Getty Images

Bradley has got about 40 feet and that's pretty decent, cosying up to within a few feet of the hole. Back on the first, Kuchar's second isn't great but Donaldson's is good enough, Europe with the advantage.

McIlroy finds his touch with a cute chip at 17, tap-in for par. Mickelson in a trap [INSERT CONJURING METAPHOR HERE]. Nice escape, chance for a par. Garcia from the rough, goes straight at it and bounds it by. Bradley to fire...

Europe 1½-1½ United States (Projected score: Europe 2-2 USA)

Rose & Stenson (Europe) beat Watson & Simpson (USA) 5&4

Bjorn & Kaymer (Europe) v Fowler & Walker (USA) All Square

Gallacher & Poulter (Europe) lost to Spieth & Reed (USA) 5&4

Garcia & McIlroy (Europe) v Bradley & Mickelson (USA) - All Square after 16

Donaldson & Westwood v Furyk & Kuchar

We're back at the first for the foursomes and here's Jim Furyk, finding the first cut with his tee shot. Only two balls in this form of the game, remember, and it's Westwood teeing off for Europe. Boomed it...

McIlroy has pulled out the wrong club and left it 20 yards short. A grave miscalculation, or he might have just muffed it, they do do that sometimes. Garcia's tee shot isn't much cop either, they've all got a big case of the willies with the end in sight.

Mickelson on tee at the par-three 17th. "It can't be one less," says his caddie Bones Mackay but distance isn't really the issue with that shot, that's a horror show. How broad are Bradley's shoulders? He's on the green but got plenty left...

2011 British Open champion and five-time Ryder Cup player Darren Clarke: Well done to Justin Rose and Henrik!! Great playing!

Very impressed with Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed..they played great and didn't let Stevie G or Poults into the match at all! #respect

Getty Images

McIlroy with a putt for eagle... doesn't hit it, that wind is having an effect even an inch above the soil. BRADLEY HAS MADE HIS! That match is developing into a four-way punch-up in a telephone booth*, only two holes remaining and there's nothing to choose between them.

* Telephone booths existed before the invention of the mobile

BBC

Projected score: Europe 2½-1½ USA

Rose & Stenson (Europe) beat Watson & Simpson (USA) 5&4

Bjorn & Kaymer (Europe) v Fowler & Walker (USA) All Square

Gallacher & Poulter (Europe) lose to Spieth & Reed (USA) 5&4

Garcia & McIlroy (Europe) v Bradley & Mickelson (USA) - Europe 1 up after 15

AP

Martin Kaymer speaking to Sky Sports: "We were up all day, three up at one point, so it was an OK match but I had a few chances to close it on 16 and 17. It is disappointing when you don't take those."

Thomas Bjorn: "We jus ran out of putts in the end, but we holed them early on. It was a pretty even match and we have to take the half on the chin. We played well early on and maybe not so well later, but we have to get to 14 ½ and a half helps us there.

"It has been 12 years since I was in the Ryder Cup which is a long time but I had a partner I am very comfortable with and the support here has been second to none."

Wowsers, Bradley has come up with a stormer just at the right time, that puts some pressure on McIlroy's second. But the not so wee man any more is equal to it, he's safely on as well.

That will be a bit of a body blow for Bjorn and Kaymer, they were up all match until that bitter end. But old Bjorn has been around long enough to know that a half is a half and he'll let Kaymer know his wisdom. Mickelson in a trap on 16 and all he can do is plonk his ball back on the fairway. Garcia is going with the long apparatus... some shot, he's found the short stuff in two.

BreakingBjorn & Kaymer v Fowler & Walker

WALKER NAILS IT! Well done Americans, that was ballsy stuff and you have to take your hats off to ballsy stuff.

Kaymer with a very iffy putt at 18, that was straight left off the club face. Walker has an eight-footer to halve the match...

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

Europe up

Fowler again, from the bottom of the bank, and he bombs it by, no birdie for him. Walker, Bjorn and Kaymer all have chances. MICKELSON BLINKS! Garcia and McIlroy have nicked a hole and Europe are in the box seat as the match enters its last knockings.

Get involved

WS, London: A team of rookies wins 5 & 4 in the morning and doesn't get a game in the afternoon....madness on the part of Watson

John: Paul McGinley's pairings for this afternoon's foursomes look a lot more balanced and settled than this morning's selections. The match-ups with the American team look very close as well, most of those games could make it all the way up the 18th.

Garcia couldn't make that birdie putt, although Mickelson still has a knee-knocker for par...

It's gusting out there now as Bradley putts downhill for par and doesn't hit it. McIlroy doesn't hit his uphiller either, it's all on Garcia on 15. Over on 18, Fowler has got to get creative, pitching into the bank, but it rolls back down the hill...

Bradley with his third at 15 and he races it by, Keegan's pretty much dead on that hole. Mickelson with a 20-odd footer for birdie... LIPS OUT! That was some effort from where he was but McIlroy and Garcia have putts for the hole.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

"Jordan Spieth sounding very confident and very happy with his partner Patrick Reed after their 5&4 demolition of Europe's talisman Ian Poulter. Says they are a formidable foursomes pairing and can't wait to get back out. Rookies only in name, these two. They can play.

"Imagine his thoughts, then, when he finds out Tom Watson has benched them for this afternoon."

Afternoon foursomes

13:15 - Donaldson/Westwood v Furyk/Kuchar

13:30 - Rose/Stenson v Mahan/Johnson

13:45 - McIlroy/Garcia v Walker/Fowler

14:00 - Dubuisson/McDowell v Mickelson/Bradley

So all 12 players on both teams get to hit a ball in anger on the first day of the Ryder Cup.

Getty Images

It is steady as she goes from both captains who pair the four men who have not played in the fourballs (Donaldson/Westwood, Dubuisson/McDowell and Furyk/Kuchar, Mahan/Johnson) while keeping two pairings from this morning.

A bit of a surprise not to see the American rookie pairing of Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed get another outing after their routing of Ian Poulter and Stephen Gallacher this morning.

Poulter and Gallacher both get a bit of time to hit the range and work out their gremlins.

Bradley sweeps his second short of the green and that's criminal from a top pro, he hasn't even found the fairway. McIlroy safely on, Europe with two birdie putts, Mickelson needs to warm up his wand. Fowler with his second at 18 and he's leaked it right of the green...

Mickelson with his second at 15 and he's left it short. Garcia with his foot wedged in the door and here's his chance to kick it open... instead, he takes out his axe and smashes a hole in it, that's a peach of an approach, Europe all over this hole.

Kaymer on 18, after Bjorn has already found the fairway, that's alright. Back on 15 Bradley has tugged his tee shot into the rough...

BBC Radio 5 live

Jordan Spieth, after his and Patrick Reed's 5&4 victory against Ian Poulter and European rookie Stephen Gallacher: "It was very quiet around our group today so to take down the local favourite and Poults was great. Hopefully we get put out in alternate shot and we can do the same thing again."

Justin Rose stung into action by a bee

PA

Justin Rose, stung by a bee on hole 10 before he holed a monster putt, speaking to Iain Carter on BBC Radio 5 Live after a 5&4 victory in the first match out with Henrik Stenson: "I deserved to get stung after hitting my second in the water on nine. My thumb is swollen but it's all good.

"From then on I played great and drove it into the fairway for the rest of the match. The view on hole 1 was incredible. I've never seen so many people on a hole.

"It's a new partnership and good partnership, although we're great friends. I'd imagine I'll play with Henrik (in the afternoon foursomes) but it's just nice to get some extra lunchtime."

Afternoon foursomes

13:15 - Donaldson/Westwood v Furyk/Kuchar

13:30 - Rose/Stenson v Mahan/Johnson

13:45 - McIlroy/Garcia v Walker/Fowler

14:00 - Dubuisson/McDowell v Mickelson/Bradley

Europe 1-1 USA (Projected score: Europe 2½-1½ USA)

Rose & Stenson (Europe) beat Watson & Simpson (USA) - Europe win 5&4

Bjorn & Kaymer (Europe) v Fowler & Walker (USA) - Europe 1 up after 17

Gallacher & Poulter (Europe) v Spieth & Reed (USA) - USA win 5&4

Garcia & McIlroy (Europe) v Bradley & Mickelson (USA) - All square after 14

I'll give you those pairings in a minute but the quick news is that everyone will get a game today on both sides...

Bjorn & Kaymer v Fowler & Walker

Kaymer with a 10-footer for the hole at 17... lacked a bit of speed and they're heading down the 18th with Europe guaranteed at least a half... Europe's foursome pairings are being posted as I type...

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

Bradley holes his long-range birdie putt at 14 and here's Garcia - nailed it. Mickelson is loving this, he's all smiles as he bounds from the green. When the flak starts flying, Mickelson takes off his tin helmet and sniffs the air...

Get involved

AP

Ryan from East Lothian: I don't get the "Rory is number 1 so should/will get lots of points" thing. When Tiger was undisputed number 1 his record was poor. Ryder Cup is different to everything else golf wise. Hence why the likes of Poulter (before this morning anyway) is a beast at this format. Anyway if more putts would fall then it would make it more exciting than it already is.

Mickelson very nearly holes his chip at 14, he's left himself a few feet. McIlroy's pitch is pretty decent but Mickelson has the whip hand...

Decent from Walker at 17, but nothing more than that, Bjorn and Kaymer with the chance to get inside their rivals... here's Bjorn and he's come up short into the breeze. Bit of pressure on Kaymer, and people pulling out cameras isn't making it any easier... that's a peach from the German, an absolute weapon of a tee shot...

Here's Fowler on the par-three 17th and that's pretty good, although he'll be putting from the apron. Back on 14, Mickelson and Bradley have also pinged their drives down there, but it's McIlroy who's closest...

Bjorn & Kaymer v Fowler & Walker

USA up

Garcia follows McIlroy down there, it's all European smiles on the tee. Walker chips in! That's his second hole-out today and the US are one down again and bang in the hunt heading to the championship holes.

Kaymer for a bird at 16, up the hill from about 15 feet... tugged it well left. McIlroy with driver on 14 and he's marmalised that, that's monstrous. Back on 16 Bjorn is putting for birdie from 20-odd feet... right on line but doesn't hit it...

Latest: Europe 1-1 USA

BBC

Projected score: Europe 2½-1½ USA

Rose & Stenson (Europe) v Watson & Simpson (USA) - Europe win 5&4

Bjorn & Kaymer (Europe) v Fowler & Walker (USA) - Europe 2 up after 15

Gallacher & Poulter (Europe) v Spieth & Reed (USA) - USA win 5&4

Garcia & McIlroy (Europe) v Bradley & Mickelson (USA) - All square after 13

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

Mickelson can't produce any magic at 13, that match is all square again. It's a bust-up of big beasts and could be crucial. By the way, that defeat brings to an end a seven-match winning streak for Poulter, he might have his feet up this afternoon, but that's what captains are for...

BreakingPoulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

USA up

... Poulter misses and that's a crushing defeat for the Europeans, they got swamped by the rookie pairing of Spieth and Reed. Masterstroke by American skipper Watson, while people will be questioning Europe captain Paul McGinley's judgement, and that's just the way the Ryder Cup swings...

McIlroy with a cute third and he'll pick that up. Bradley needs something special here and here he is going through his old routine, stalking his ball, like a man mustering up the courage to get close enough to swat a hornet... that's pretty good from there, still in the hole...

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

Getty Images

The first big fist pump from Keegan Bradley as he holes his birdie putt on the 10th to go two up. He marches off the green, chest out and shoulders back, as if he's looking for a scrap. " I think they're getting fired up now," says an excited US supporter.

Garcia on the 13th green - he's miles out but the man most likely to nick this hole. Bradley has got relief from the gantry so he'll have a good lie for his chip. Spieth on 14 and if he makes this disappear, Poulter and Gallacher can say night-night... leaves it right...

Reed with his second at 14, just a wedge, neat and tidy, he's played like a dream today. So far. Mickelson on 13, he's got a deadly second - my apologies, he was wild off the tee - and all he can do is bunt one to the fringe of the green.

Mickelson with a wild second at 13, Garcia isn't great either and McIlroy has to do some scrambling out of the rough. Bradley, meanwhile, is playing his second off a concrete path. Let's just say most of us hackers would be employing a leather wedge. No tarmac trickery from the American, that hole is still up in the air...

Bjorn & Kaymer v Fowler & Walker

Over on the range, Graeme McDowell of Europe and Matt Kuchar of the United States are warming up, they'll both be out this afternoon. Here's Bjorn on 15 and he's pulled out a plum from the sand, absolute beauty to pile some pressure on Walker. Here's Walker for the hole... hasn't hit it, that match stays as it was...

AP

European Ryder Cup golfer in 1999 and 2012 Paul Lawrie: People on here quick to forget how many points Ian Poulter (pictured) has won over the last few years #ThePostman

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

Jimmy Walker has got an open door and all he has to do is stroll right through it... decent, the only one man to find the green and he should have that 12-footer for the hole. Over on 13, Reed makes his clutch putt to remain five up against Poulter and Gallacher...

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Fenners: Time to get Dubuisson involved pronto I think

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PB in London: Can't help thinking Luke Donald would stand up to this pressure better than Gallacher.

Rickie Fowler has got a horror shot out of the cabbage at 15, Bjorn is bang middle... finds sand with a wedge, that wasn't very good at all. Kaymer from the rough and he comes up short. Fowler hacks out and that's a pretty good patch-up job, just short as well...

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

There's plenty of chicken on this bone for Mickelson, still a few feet left, but he bangs it in like a navvy bashing in a rivet. Garcia with a three-footer and he pops in for a half, that match is anyone's...

Garcia & McIlroy v Bradley & Mickelson

Karen Stupples

Solheim Cup winner on BBC Radio 5 live

AFP

"The McIlroy/Garcia match is huge, you expect the no 1 player in the world (McIlroy) to win and to put a lot of points on the board."

McIlroy with a left-to-righter on 12 and he races it miles by - had to go for it with Mickelson on pole. Still Rory's turn and he'll give Phil a read here... leaves it left and there was some suggestion he should have picked up instead. Mickelson from 10 feet and that's very ordinary, he missed that by about two feet...

Bradley with his third at 12, clipping a cheeky chip to within a few feet of the cup. Reed in some nonsense at 13 and that's pretty decent from there, his ball finishing just short of the green. Garcia with a peach of a long-range putt at 12, should pop in from there, but Mickelson holds the advantage...

Bjorn & Kaymer v Fowler & Walker

Mickelson into the 12th and that's a doozy, stiffed it to within 10 feet. Over on the 14th, Fowler has a 12-footer for the hole... leaves it right, hole halved in four... Poulter with his second at 13 and he leaves himself a monster for birdie.

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

Many thanks Mike, this is Ben Dirs for a bit. I join you as Garcia plays into the 12th, up the hill, and it's scuttled back right. Pretty ordinary from the fairway. Here's Bradley with his second and he, too, has left it miles right.

Gallacher & Poulter v Spieth & Reed

Bernard Gallacher

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live

Reed and Spieth were -6 combined until this hole. So Ian and Stephen haven't combined well but they've been up against it.

I think US captain Tom Watson sees these two young guys as a fourball pairing not a foursomes pairing. So far it's a good plan by Tom but I don't think they'll play together this afternoon. Foursomes is a completely different ballgame. I think he'll put experienced players with both these two youngsters this afternoon.

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

Europe up

Jordan Spieth's putt worms well wide on 12 to hand a hole back to Stephen Gallacher and Ian Poulter.

But they have plenty of cushion. It is going to take some serious heroics from Poulter to drag this one out of the mire.

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

Europe up

Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia are lobbed a lifeline as Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson both incur bogies at the 11th. The world number one and three trail the Americans by one as they chase their tee shots up the 12th.

Overall Score: Europe 1-0 US (Latest projection Europe 2-2 USA)

Rose & Stenson (Europe) v Watson & Simpson (USA) - Europe win 5&4

Bjorn & Kaymer (Europe) v Fowler & Walker (USA) - Europe 2 up after 13

Gallacher & Poulter (Europe) v Spieth & Reed (USA) - USA 6 up after 11

Garcia & McIlroy (Europe) v Bradley & Mickelson (USA) - USA 1 up after 11

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Europe's Justin Rose: "When the captain sends you out first, you have to deliver a point and that's what me and the 'Ice Man' [Henrik Stenson] came to deliver. The course was playing hard early but we managed to steal a few birdies when we could. For us to get off to this sort of start and build some momentum is fantastic."

BreakingRose & Stenson v Watson & Simpson

Europe up

And it is first blood Europe at the top of the board.

Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson close out Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson as the Englishman rolls in for a 5&4 victory.

While there were all sorts of hiccups and mishaps behind them, Europe's top two have kept it clinical.

Bjorn & Kaymer v Fowler & Walker

Europe up

Ryder Cup latest

Keep that putter in the bag. Americans, pick up your balls.

Thomas Bjorn strolls to the 13th green having chipped in from well off the apron. The crowd whooping and a'hollering, the bearded one cool as a cucumber.

Sandy Lyle

Five-time European Ryder Cup player on BBC Radio 5 live

"Some will feel a bit miffed because of the early bath but if you've been beaten badly you might just enjoy the afternoon off. It's always nice on day one to get a win under your belt but it doesn't always happen that way."

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

Stephen Gallacher lands on the 12th green, but what would be a volcano of noise is just a gentle burbling with Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed six up and over the horizon.

Bjorn & Kaymer v Fowler & Walker

Martin Kaymer sees Jimmy Walker's good approach on 13 and trumps it with one of even higher quality.

Europe are one up in this one, having led by three at one point.

Hole 11 for the final pairing and this is Sergio Garcia's view before he plugs one down the middle.

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Par four, 350 yards

A short par four, playing across a ravine with water that flows through it. A favourable hole for birdies.

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Timothy Walton: The Gallacher Poulter pairing, both captain's picks and one a rookie. So neither player has come in on merit. Bizarre pairing.

Paul Donkersley: Poor captaincy by McGinley choosing the Poulter/Gallacher pairing. Poulter is a rattling sabre, not a steady foil for a rookie.

Kevin Berry: In the airport waiting for flight home watching live reporting on BBC. The dog is not getting walked today.

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

USA up

The south of the scoreboard is rising. A flush of red across the bottom section now as Keegan Bradley nuzzles in a birdie two on the 10th and Rory McIlroy continues his series of good-looking, but ultimately unsuccessful putts in his attempt to follow suit.

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

USA up

Ryder Cup latest

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Patrick Reed slaps palms with Jordan Spieth. The pair of them have whisked the third match from beneath Poulter and Gallacher and this one might not be out on course much longer.

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

USA up

Ryder Cup latest

Reuters

Rory McIlroy has a 15-footer to halve the hole after Phil Mickelson's conjuring from the bunker. The Northern Irish world number one's putter has not quite got toasty though and he slumps forward as his attempt rolls by and he and Sergio Garcia fall behind.

Rose & Stenson v Watson & Simpson

Justin Rose on 13 plants his approach up to about 15 foot, joining the other three balls already in place on the green. All four players will have a punt at a birdie when they arrive up there.

Projected Score: Europe 2 USA 2

Rose & Stenson (Europe) v Watson & Simpson (USA) - Europe 4 up after 12

Bjorn & Kaymer (Europe) v Fowler & Walker (USA) - Europe 1 up after 11

Gallacher & Poulter (Europe) v Spieth & Reed (USA) - USA 5 up after 10

Garcia & McIlroy (Europe) v Bradley & Mickelson (USA) - USA 1 up after 9

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradely

Ohh! Phil Mickelson's bunker shot runs of legs just short of the finishline, stopping a handful of inches from the hole.

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

Sergio Garcia with a birdie attempt at nine. Never in, but it is close enough for his par attempt and considering his short-range wobbles on the front nine that is important.

Phil Mickelson's second shot is from the sand but closer in.

European captain Paul McGinley

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

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"Something might have to be adjusted. Captaincy ebbs and flows. I've got a plan in place but I'm just confirming my plan by touching base with the vice captains."

McGinley and counterpart Tom Watson have until 12.30pm to hand in their foursomes (alternate shot) pairings for this afternoon's four matches.

McGinley's on course vice-captains are Miguel Angel Jimenez, Jose Maria Olazabal, Sam Torrance, Des Smyth and Padraig Harrington.

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

USA up

Young shavers Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed are putting Stephen Gallacher and Ian Poulter through the chipper.

Spieth punches the air as he lands another blow on the European challenge on the 10th green.

Martin Kaymer, close, but no cigar on 11, as his putt draws oohs and aahs from the crowd, but fails to rattle down the cup. Hole halved.

As it is on 12 as Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose also flirt with birdies, but go home alone.

Michael Jordan is doing a decent impression of one of the United States vice-captains. The former Chicago Bulls star and Space Jam scene-stealer is sporting shades, a cap and an earpiece as he watches from behind the ropes.

Latest projected score: Europe 2½-1½ USA

Rose & Stenson (Europe) v Watson & Simpson (USA) - Europe 4 up after 11

Bjorn & Kaymer (Europe) v Fowler & Walker (USA) - Europe 1 up after 10

Gallacher & Poulter (Europe) v Spieth & Reed (USA) - USA 4 up after 9

Garcia & McIlroy (Europe) v Bradley & Mickelson (USA) - All square after 8

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

John Murray

BBC Radio 5 live commentator

Ian Poulter's excellent Ryder Cup record (12 wins from 15 matches) has been widely read about but a lesser known fact is that he lost his opening matches in 2004, 2008 and 2010.

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

USA up

Jordan Spieth fails to make the most of Stephen Gallachers' fumble, but Patrick Reed seizes the chance. His putt is a clinker, strong, solid and into the heart of the hole.

Poulter, having dumped in the water en route, is no help. Europe are sinking fast in this one.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

Good bit of rules discussion in the eighth green as Phil Mickelson calls in the ref to rule on the sprinkler head in front of partner Keegan Bradley's ball. Lefty is asserting his role as the senior man and wandering around saying: "Is there some new rule I don't know about."

A little bit of hustle, you might say. McIlroy and Garcia join in the chat before the ref says it has to be played. "Right, so who's shot did we say it was again?" asks Phil. It's all good fun, and after the hole Mickelson and Sergio share a buggy for the lengthy drive to the ninth tee.

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

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Stephen Gallacher has still to arrive at his own party. Europe's sole Scot twanged the flag with his approach at the ninth, but his putt to turn the screw on Jordan Spieth is a miss.

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Scott in Portsmouth: This is the only time that you can blatantly get away with having a sports page up on your office pc. Even the head honchos are checking as they walk past.. love the Ryder Cup. Come on Europe.

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

There is still not a lot being conceded on the greens.

Phil Mickelson is asked to tap in from within a frisbee's radius to halve the eighth after Rory McIlroy came within a whisker of regaining a European lead with a putt that crept just past the edge.

Rose & Stenson v Watson & Simpson

Justin Rose to put Europe five up on the 11th green.... His birdie putt from 20 feet stubbornly refuses to break left as its owner would expect though.

Hole halved and time is fast ticking away for the United States in the top match.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

Interesting listening to Keegan Bradley's caddie talk to his man as he prepares to hit a shot. He delivers instructions in the matter-of-fact manner of a co-driver in a rally. 'Distance: 129 yards. Wind from right. Hit to the right, it will feed back.'

Sergio Garcia tickles a lovely bunker shot up to to within a couple of feet on eight.

Thomas Bjorn rattles home a putt to halve the 10th.

But Ian Poulter lets the Europe side down with a horrible shank into the water on nine.

Rose & Stenson v Watson & Simpson

Henrik Stenson gets an ugly kick into a bunker on 11, but his partner Justin Rose is the closest of the remaining three balls.

I think captain Paul McGinley can start chalking this one up as a Europe win in his war bunker.

Shot of the day so far? It's got to be Sergio Garcia chipping in from a green-side bunker on the fourth. You can watch it now here on the BBC Sport website.

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McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

Andrew Cotter

BBC Sport commentator

Keegan Bradley used the word pumped about 17 or 18 times in his press conference to describe how excited he was to be here this week.

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

Bernard Gallacher

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live

It's disappointing. Stephen hasn't had a putt of any consequence since the second when he holed out. That's the thing about the Ryder Cup, you need to be ready at any moment.

Rose & Stenson v Watson & Simpson

Iain Carter

BBC golf correspondent on Radio 5 live

Justin Rose was stung by a wasp and was gulping down a tablet just before he holed that putt on 10.

Gallacher & Poulter v Spieth & Reed

Jordan Spieth rolls his birdie putt past the pitt, and Stephen Gallacher has a trembler of a putt to make some inroads into the American rookies.

Painful. The ball takes a little peek down the cup, but stubbornly stays above ground. Gallacher looks like he might want the earth to open up and swallow him instead.

A big five minutes for the United States. Feel that momentum sloshing around.

Latest projected score: Europe 2½-1½ USA

Rose & Stenson (Europe) v Watson & Simpson (USA) - Europe 4 up after 10

Bjorn & Kaymer (Europe) v Fowler & Walker (USA) - Europe 2 up after 9

Gallacher & Poulter (Europe) v Spieth & Reed (USA) - USA 3 up after 8

Garcia & McIlroy (Europe) v Bradley & Mickelson (USA) - All square after 7

Bjorn & Kaymer v Fowler & Walker

USA up

Oh, Jimmy Walker! Straight down the drainpipe after splashing out of the greenside bunker for an eagle. Martin Kaymer can't come up with a similar piece of magic and he and Thomas Bjorn are pegged back to the slenderest of leads

Rose & Stenson v Watson & Simpson

Europe up

Justin Rose, from way out of town on the 10th green, sinks a whopper of a biridie putt to put the US four down in their match. Does four down equate to six feet under?

McIlroy & Garcia v Bradley & Mickelson

USA up

Sergio Garcia and Keegan Bradley face off over tricky short range putts on the seventh green and it is the Spaniard who gets little wobbly, spurting past.

Bradley is solid under the pressure and strides off the green with a bit of blue wiped off the leaderboard. All square.

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

Stephen Gallacher has taken his time to get his feet under the Ryder Cup table, but that is more like it. His approach on eight sticks like velcro and he will have a four-footer for a birdie. Spieth and Reed are on the green but with more to do, Poulter off the dancefloor and out of contention.

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It is all looking boxfresh out at Gleneagles. The fairways pristine, the greens sparkling and the air 80% oxygen.

But what is the view where you are? Out on the course, back at home, send us your view via #bbcrydercup.

Rose & Stenson v Watson & Simpson

Iain Carter

BBC golf correspondent on Radio 5 live

The Americans have gone the entire front nine without a birdie. Webb Simpson was furious with that missed birdie attempt.

Rose & Stenson v Watson & Simpson

Europe up

Webb Simpson screws his birdie putt on nine a good foot wide. His short game has been short on quality today. As has his long.

Henrik Stenson shows him the way home, draining his own effort from a little closer in.

Europe three up at the turn in the leading group.

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

Bernard Gallacher

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live

Both Americans are from Texas so they're used to playing in wind. It's starting to whip up now. When it gets to three down it takes a big effort to get it back. They need to step up their game.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

Tempers fraying a touch as Phil Mickelson snaps at a TV crew walking off the sixth tee. Keegan Bradley's caddie Pepsi warns the cameraman not to get too close, but he has an earpiece in and can't hear. So Mickelson piles in too. "Just cover the golf," he shouts. "Don't interfere."

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

USA up

The two American rookies thrown to Ian "Mr 80%" Poulter? It was supposed to Ryder Cup fodder for Europe.

It hasn't turned out that way. Poulter is misfiring, Gallacher looks nervous and Jordan Spieth sinks the putt that puts the US of A three to the good after seven.

Rose & Stenson v Watson & Simpson

Iain Carter

BBC golf correspondent on Radio 5 live

Reuters

Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson should be out of sight against Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson, they've had chance after chance. We're now on the mammoth par-five ninth.

Kaymer & Bjorn v Fowler & Walker

Martin Kaymer with a stinker of a bunker shot on eight, flies back over the tee-side edge of the green to leave Thomas Bjorn on a solo mission.

The Dane downs his five-footer to help his mate out of a hole Still two to the good.

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

Rory takes a good, long look at his birdie putt on six. But he fails to decipher the hieroglyphics of the green. Past the right lip.

Phil Mickelson rinks his putt to win the hole all the way around the rim though and that is a let-off for Team Europe,

Vote

Democracy in action on the right-hand side of this page. You can vote for which team will be ahead by the end of today. You have until 14:15 BST, when the final pairing heads out this afternoon, to make your decision.

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

Bernard Gallacher

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live

There's only one European player in the hole on each hole and that's not good enough for the Ryder Cup.

Gallacher's nephew Stephen is making his Ryder Cup debut this week. Gallacher played in eight Ryder Cups before his captaincy in the 1990s.

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

"C'mon baby," says Phil Mickelson off the tee and his sweet nothings do the trick, coaxing the ball towards the flag.

Partner Keegan Bradley finds a little pocket of form, pumping his own opener up onto the green.

Both are better placed than Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy. Some more magic hands might be needed to keep Europe ahead.

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

This is the view for Sergio Garcia, Rory McIlroy and their American opponents...

6th (Mickle Skelp)

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Par three, 201 yards

There is a bunker on the left of the green and a water hazard short. Accuracy is crucial from the tee.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

US skipper Tom Watson holds the rope for me as we both nip from the fifth fairway up to watch the tee shots of Poulter & co on the 6th. Watson gets an update on proceedings from vice-captain Andy North, though he doesn't relay them back to me.

All seems very relaxed. Poulter winks to a mate in the crowd, tee shots are dispatched and we bid them on their way. Tom and I stroll back to McIlroy's group. Although Tom gets a lift.

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

Patrick Reed, with the touch of a pickpocket, sinks a long-range birdie putt for two on six.

Ian Poulter's salvage operation almost comes up trumps, but his put trails past the left edge and the damage is done. Europe two down through six in this one

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

Phil Mickelson with a snaking great monster of a birdie putt to try and win the hole. Up it rolls, but up it stays...

Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia are going to ask him to tap out for his par, which he does from four feet or so.

Europe are scrambling a bit with McIlroy having to take a drop with his backswing blocked by the trunk of a tee. Up to Sergio...

And the Spaniard strokes in to keep it even stevens through five. A matey arm around the shoulder of McIlroy from Garcia as they stroll onto the sixth.

Rose & Stenson v Watson & Simpson

Andrew Magee

American golfer on BBC Radio 5 live

"There are some clear gaps in this team. Billy Horschel is the hottest player right now. Horschel and Chris Kirk deserve this. Should the captain's picks be decided after the FedEx Cup? Simpson was picked because he's a good partner for Bubba Watson but he needs to prove that right now."

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

John Murray

BBC Radio 5 live commentator

PA

"Ian Poulter, a little like the weather conditions, is gently warming up. He's giving us grounds for optimism."

Kaymer & Bjorn v Fowler & Walker

Martin Kaymer at the seventh, gets his ball up onto the top tier of the green and with Rickie Fowler still down on the lower deck and and Jimmy Walker on the fringe, this might be a chance to build Europe's lead in their match.

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

Phil Mickelson, wrapped up like a family heirloom in layers of thermals, chases the ball out of the rough and up onto the green on five. Rory McIlory's approach is a little haywire, dropping short, left and ugly.

Keegan Bradley, your turn. Not a lot better. Dumped right up against the foot of a tree.

This match needs someone to grab it by the scruff.

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

In she goes. Ian Poulter's putter is warming up, keeping himself and Stephen Gallacher one down through five. Here's Mike Henson.

Ooohhh, Justin Rose. For the win on seven, wiping its feet and opting not to drop. Bubba Watson tidies up from no distance for the half. Not many putts being conceded on this first morning. On five, Ian Poulter has a tricky six-footer for a half.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

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The percussion of the first big roar rings around the fourth green as Sergio Garcia holes a spectacular bunker shot. Wind is filling in now, chillier than pre-dawn. Long wait on 5th tee. Keegan Bradley douses himself liberally in some form of spray. Anti-insect or hair?

Bjorn & Kaymer v Fowler & Walker

Sandy Lyle

Five-time European Ryder Cup player on BBC Radio 5 live

Thomas Bjorn has been a little crooked in places but he's made some remarkable putts and chips. It's ham and egg and it's been good stuff.

Bjorn & Kaymer v Fowler & Walker

...no, the German doesn't like it. Europe remain two up after six against the pair of Jimmy Walker and Rickie Fowler.

On the sixth, Martin Kaymer to put Europe three up. Ten feet, left to right...

Where are we? Europe up in three, the US in one. That one is Ian Poulter and Stephen Gallacher against the rookie pair of Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed. Gallacher having a horrible time, a drop at the edge of the fairway, then nowhere near the green. Up on the seventh, Justin Rose arrows in on the flag to create a birdie chance.

Keep up to date on our live scores page.

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Ryder Cup Team Europe: Boom. #ElNino

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

Nicolas Colsaerts

2012 Ryder Cup player from Belgium

I called that bunker shot impossible because he had no room to land the ball. Exceptional shot there from Garcia. We expected this game to be really, really good and that kicked it off.

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

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Sergio Garcia! In from the bunker at the side of the fourth green! Horrible lie, Garcia barely visible because of the depth of the pit. Chipped to the top of the ridge, down the slope, speeding towards the hole. And in! And in! Garcia out, punching the air, Gleneagles roaring. Mickelson has to hole from the rough, but falls short. Europe one up after four.

Rose & Stenson v Watson & Simpson

Too much action to keep on top of and there's only four matches out there. Imagine Sunday's 12 singles? Henrik Stenson on the sixth, 10 feet for birdie and the win. Very fast, left to right, the Swede bending his knees as the ball slides by. Europe remain two up.

Kaymer & Bjorn v Fowler & Walker

Rory McIlroy has a monster to win the third, but he doesn't like it. The bottom match stays all square after three. Rickie Fowler on the fifth...for the win...right to left...sneaks in. The US get one back.

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed US 1 up after 4

Bernard Gallacher

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live

"I remember playing in 1969 and Eric Brown put Maurice Bembridge and myself, two rookies into the match, against Lee Trevino. We went out and won it. But I am surprised Tom Watson has chosen two rookies here against Poulter. The rules go out the window: it depends on the personalities and the characters."

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

Poulter and Spieth both missed those birdie putts, so the third match have halved the fourth in par threes. Mike Henson, my live text colleague, has just informed me that his dream last night involved him hugging Ian Woosnam. Cuddly.

Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker, already in deep trouble, are on the fifth. Much better from Fowler, his second teasing the flag. Henrik Stenson with a wonderful tee shot to the par-three sixth, birdie chance. Keegan Bradley on the third, wonderful scramble to have a chance of saving par. Even Webb Simpson has hit a green. All happening.

Course guide

4th (Gowden Beastie)

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Par three, 211 yards

The longest par three and protected by a little bunker short right and one to the left of the green.

Bradley, Mickelson and McIlroy all building sandcastles on the third. Superb from Rory, an escape to the green. Poulter teeing it up on the par-three fourth, following Jordan Spieth to within six feet. A putting showdown for the win.

Rose & Stenson v Watson & Simpson

Andrew Magee

American golfer on BBC Radio 5 live

Webb Simpson needs to help his partner (Bubba Watson) out here but he hasn't done so yet in five holes. He had the whole of the green to aim at there but he hit it right again like he did on the fourth.

Rose & Stenson v Watson & Simpson

How often do you see all four players fail to par the hole? Stenson leaves a par putt, for the win, achingly short, meaning the US escape with a half. Webb Simspon has been anonymous so far, Bubba Watson may as well be playing by himself.

Ian Poulter's putter fires on the third. Twelve feet, in for half. Europe one down after three, but that could have been worse. In the top match, Bubba Watson has been given a bogey five, with Justin Rose racing a putt past for a six. Henrik Stenson, though, can still win the hole...

Bjorn & Kaymer v Fowler & Walker

Fourth green, Martin Kaymer for birdie. Hello! Europe go three up! Maybe 12 feet, slight right to left, just sneaking in the right of the hole. Look at the rise of the grandstand in the distance, arms thrown into the air. The man who holed the crucial putt at Medinah is hot again.

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Mark Tuckett: Last day of work today, the office keep singing It's the final countdown by Europe. Fitting. Not going to be a productive day!

Paul Harris: I think it will be Europe but close. Watching it from my lounge floor all weekend, were I am lay up with a bad back..

McIlroy & Garcia v Mickelson & Bradley

...following Phil's line, past the hole on the left. Sergio Garcia is the third man with an uphiller for birdie, his is the best effort of the lot but is still a third missed to the left. It all means Keegan Bradley has the chance to win the hole from about 10 feet. "It's exactly how you see," says Phil. Another missed to the left. All square.

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Hmmm, maybe Phil Mickelson is a bit cold. With big gloves on both hands, a huge jacket and a cap, he looks like he's going skiing. That putt goes past, with Rory to come...

Not a cloud in the Gleneagles sky as Martin Kaymer finds the green with his tee shot to the par-three fourth. McIlroy has chipped his third on to the green of the par-five second, about 18 feet for a birdie. Mickelson has a similar putt, uphill, then flat.

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Kurt Norman in a Milton Keynes office: Roger Young (0815), you don't know what you're on about. I'm sat at my desk with this web page on one desktop and "real" work on the other. I love the Ryder Cup!

Eddie from Hamilton: Whether you're a yes or whether you're a no, doesn't Scotland look magnificent?

Chris, missing the golf for a H&S conference: Roger Diddly Door Dah, cricket has to be the most boring sport ever invented. Even the players stop for tea! And NFL? Sure if you love watching adverts.

Oh, Thomas Bjorn. Twelve years since his last Ryder Cup appearance, the Dane holes a 12-footer for a half on the third. Europe two up through three, blue the colour of the top half of these opening fourball matches.

BBC

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

First tee summation: Glorious view, bouncy if not quite crackling atmosphere. Best chant: "10-6, and you still don't win" to the US fans about Medinah. Best original song: "Kaymer chameleon" to the tune of the Culture Club number. Best continuing joke: Shouting "fore" at the end of every American practice swing.

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Biggest cheer: For Rory and Sergio. Person playing in a different climatic zone to everyone else: Phil "Two Gloves" Mickelson, who also teed off in a big jacket. Biggest gaffe: Tie between Keegan Bradley's drive and Ivor Robson naming Bubba Watson on the tee, when in fact it was Webb Simpson. Best ovation for a supporting actor: Sam Torrance, who received a hearty rendition of "There's only one Sam Torrance." Best Michael Jordan impression: Michael Jordan.

Andrew Magee

American golfer on BBC Radio 5 live

It was an appalling mistake by Bubba on the third to give a three footer. It was not his place to give that so early in the match.

Rose & Stenson v Watson & Simpson

The Europeans are taking advantage of a very shaky American pair in the top match. After Justin Rose left himself eight feet for birdie off the tee at the par fourth fourth, the US pair were not up to matching him. Bubba Watson hasn't got the putter going and Webb Simpson is playing with a snooker cue.

Bernard Gallacher

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live

I'm pleased that will give him some confidence. The greens are slow though. There's a completely different feel about these greens. That's probably why Ian Poulter was disappointed on the first.

Poulter & Gallacher v Spieth & Reed

Well done, sir. The rookie holes from six feet to keep Europe only one down after two. After a poor first hole, that will do plenty for Stephen Gallacher.

Poulter, white visor, is stern-faced as he aims a little chip from the first cut beside the green. Rolled to within gimme range - not that the US with allow that to be a given. Reed, from 15 feet and the edge of the green, is in for a four. Stephen Gallacher must hole for a half...

Ian Poulter hasn't started well, with the Englishman now in the bunker beside the second green. On the par-three fourth, Justin Rose has the advantage for Europe, plonking his tee shot within birdie range.

A stunning morning at Gleneagles, the sun just burning off the morning haze. On the third, Bubba Watson, the Masters champion, misses his birdie putt. The US stay one down. On the first, McIlroy has a 15-footer for a half after a wonderful second from Mickelson. Rolling, rolling....in she goes. Take that, Philip.

John Inverdale

BBC Radio 5 live presenter at Gleneagles

"This is the event that takes golf to the widest audience. I know right now we're whooping and hollering for Europe to go 1up and 2up but what we really want, come Sunday, is another rousing finale."

Kaymer & Bjorn v Fowler & Walker

Hot on the heels of Poulter's error, Europe have gone two up in the second match thanks to a Thomas Bjorn birdie. From six feet, the Dane nailed a putt for a four. On the first, both Mickelson and McIlroy are on the green. Overall, Europe are up in two, down in one, with the final match yet to complete the first.

Keep up to date on our live scores page.

Course guide

2nd (Wester Greenwells)

Getty Images

Par five, 516 yards

From an elevated tee shot, this hole, with a dogleg left, is protected on the left of the green by bunkers and a pond. Reachable in two but behind the green is a deep hollow.

Poulter & Gallacher v Reed & Spieth

Ian Poulter, what have you done? From no distance, gimme range, Europe's gun has lipped out. Gutsy from Spieth and Reed - at a combined age of 46 the youngest pairing in Ryder Cup history - to ask him to putt, but the right call. They head to the second.

Match one on the third, Simpson from the fairway, finding sand at the right of the bunker. He hasn't played a good shot yet.

McIlroy, new driver in hand for the first time, draws ooohs and aahs as he sends a monster down the middle, just short of the putting surface. Thunderous. It must be nice to the best in the world. At anything.

Here we go then, the most eye-catching of the morning matches. McIlroy and Garcia v Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley. Bradley, the man with two surnames and a permanent look of worry on his face, takes to the tee and doesn't like it. It's miles right. Mickelson, getting something of a mixed reception, is on the good stuff.

AP

USA captain Tom Watson on how the event has changed: "We didn't even have grandstands in 1977 - it was just the gallery ropes." Asked what made him choose debutants Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth, he adds: "Their play. Their attitudes. Both of them are very, very strong players with strong attitudes. What better way to start in the Ryder Cup than get out there and get some points."

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Wonderful scene on the first, the green of the trees behind the grandstand, with the magnificent clubhouse in the distance, all illuminated by the morning sunshine. "Ror-ry, Ror-ry," is the chant.

Rose & Stenson v Watson & Simpson

From nowhere, Europe lead in the top match. Both Rose and Stenson found rough off the tee, but Stenson's scrambling left him the chance of a four. Now, Watson has three-putted to make it double blue on the board. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia are coming through the tunnel.

Webb Simpson has the look of man who hasn't started well. His birdie putt creeps by. Henrik Stenson, though, is in for a four. Bubba has a six-footer for a half.

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Nicolas Colsaerts

Medinah hero in 2012, Nicolas Colsaerts: His Airness...

Ian Poulter applauds the crowd after he blasts his drive down the middle. On the second, the first of the par fives, Justin Rose has a long putt for birdie, which falls just short. Bubba Watson, the monster hitter, is on the dancefloor in two.

Bjorn & Kaymer v Walker & Fowler

First blood to Europe. Martin Kaymer's putt was conceded after that fine approach. Jimmy Walker had to hole from about 15 feet for a half, but it slipped by. Blue on the board for the first time. Back on the first tee, Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth have both found the fairway for the US.

Bernard Gallacher

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live

Speaking about his nephew Stephen making his Ryder Cup debut in front of a home crowd: "It's been his lifetime ambition to make it and hats off to him. I asked him if it would make a difference if I walked around with him because he might see me. But he said no. So he's quite calm at this moment."

Europe captain Paul McGinley: "I'm very much in captaincy mode, it's about getting 14½ points. I've got two strong powerhouses at the front, it doesn't have to be Rory and Sergio. I've got a strategy for today and tomorrow. Have fun is the main thing - these moments will stay with these guys for the rest of their lives. It's an incredibly exhilarating, exciting place to be and we're looking forward to the challenge."

Martin Kaymer! His approach to the first lands feet from the hole, spinning back and orbiting the flag. He will have a four-footer for birdie and, probably, to put Europe one up.

BBC

The gloves that some of the Europeans are wearing are quite extraordinary. They are a cross between boxing gloves and oven gloves, the sort you might see an astronaut wear. Poulter, the perennial European hero, and Gallacher, the Scottish rookie, are greeted by songs from the crowd. Up ahead, Rickie Fowler has found the bunker to the right of the first green, which Thomas Bjorn has also missed.

Stenson & Rose v Watson & Simpson

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The United States escape on the first, with Europe unable to take advantage. Two putts each for Rose and Stenson were matched by Bubba Watson. Back on the first tee, here come Stephen Gallacher and Ian Poulter.

Justin Rose has come up short with his birdie putt, while Jimmy Walker has become the first American to find the first fairway. Roars for the Viking Thomas Bjorn, who also finds the fairway, with Martin Kaymer then stepping up to follow the sun. White cap, blue trousers, blue jumper, the man who sealed the Cup for Europe two years ago gets off to a decent start.

Bubba Watson has tapped in for par. In this second match, the impressive hair of vice-captain Miguel Angel Jimenez will accompany the European pair. Miguel looks like he's struggling to work his radio. Rickie Fowler, the man with "U-S-A" shaved in his hair, is on the first tee, pulling his drive left.

BBC

Getty Images

Webb Simpson, by the way, managed to reach the green with his second, but a monster putt for birdie is well short. With Watson a long way away in two, Europe have a great chance of going one up. Back on the tee, Mother Nature is putting on a show. Wonderful sunshine casts longs shadows, while the crowd provide the soundtrack. Thomas Bjorn and Martin Kaymer against Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker is about to begin.

Rory McIlroy is asked if Phil Mickelson's dig about the Northern Irishman's "litigation" with team-mate Graeme McDowell adds spice to their imminent fourball clash. "Of course it does, of course," says McIlroy, who adds: "It's going to be a great match. Obviously Keegan (Bradley) and Phil were unbeaten at Medinah, a very successful partnership, and Sergio (Garcia) and I are going to try and hand them a first defeat today."

Here comes the second match, through a tunnel with which we will become so familiar over the next few days. Imagine a tunnel on to a football pitch, but this is adorned with images of Ryder Cups past. Dane Thomas Bjorn, the beard of Tom Hanks in Castaway, fist-bumps an image of Seve Ballesteros. Up ahead, Justin Rose has left himself 15 feet for birdie.

That drive of Webb Simpson's really shows what the nerves of a Ryder Cup can do to a player. This is a former US Open champion reduced to the shot of a club player - it went only 190 yards. Bubba went left and into the rough, but has found the green with his second.

BBC

Course guide

Getty Images

Par four, 426 yards

Slightly downhill with a dogleg to the right. There is a narrow green protected by a bunker at the front and a grass hollow behind it.

Iain Carter

BBC golf correspondent on Radio 5 live

Rose's drive is wonderful, it's a monster. That's a good 120 yards further than Webb Simpson's drive. Stenson's nailed his drive and it's advantage Europe at this early stage. There are 30-40,000 people around this first hole and I've never seen anything like it.

After all the noise, the silence is extraordinary for Justin Rose. Down the middle. Then Stenson, roared as he sends the ball on its way, sun reflecting off his face. "Eur-rope, Eur-rope."

The 40th Ryder Cup is under way.

Getty Images

Now Bubba, the crowd already roaring. He's loving it, whipping up the noise, cupping his ear. The pink driver is out, his swing dwarfing that of Simpson, highlighting what a poor shot his partner played.

The first error of the Ryder Cup! Ivor Robson, the starter, sells us a dummy by saying it will be Bubba Watson who will get us under way. In fact, it's Webb Simpson. Silence. The swing. It only just makes the fairway - gone nowhere.

Tom Watson, the US captain, is seen for the first time, shades on his cap. The players go through some practice swings, Stenson cheered every time he opens his shoulders.

Ian Poulter: "It's going to be amazing, absolutely sensational. I can't wait to get through the tunnel, give Seve a little wink and get out on the golf course."

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Ryder Cup Team USA: The world will be watching.... #RyderCup

Iain Carter

BBC golf correspondent on Radio 5 live

What a scene this is. It's almost as if this first hole has been turned into a stadium. The entire hole is surrounded and they are standing nine or 10 back.

Here they come, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson through the tunnel. Rose is wearing a white beanie, Stenson a white cap. It's a long walk, along the bending walkway, then round the corner and into the view of the grandstand. Listen to the roar! Waves from the players, like astronauts about to go into space. "Ole, ole ole, ole." Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson follow. Hands shaken. Here we go...

Conor McNamara

BBC Radio 5 live commentator

Justin Rose has got these enormous oven gloves to keep his hands warm. He's like a pianist at a concert. He's preparing to make the walk to the first tee, it's about 80 metres. Ian Poulter is out listening to something trying to calm his nerves. They're ready to go here. They're the best golfers in the world but their knees are knocking.

Did I say it was fresh? Paul McGinley has had to put a jacket on. Behind him, the sun is just starting to rise, signalling the start of the golfing weekend. Those blue European jumpers have the Scottish Saltire on the chest, the home colours.

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Ryder Cup Team Europe: It doesn't get any better than this. #GoEurope

Is there any other sporting event that comes with such anticipation? Have you got that knot in your stomach too?

It looks fresh at Gleneagles - this is the crack of dawn on a Scotland September morning, after all. The only downside of the Ryder Cup is getting up at the crack of dawn...

European captain Paul McGinley, wearing the blue jumper of the home team, has entered the first tee, applauding the crowd who respond with chants of "Eur-rope, Eur-rope." He looks relaxed, shaking hands with announcer Ivor Robson. Not only is the grandstand packed, but thousands are lining the fairways.

New to the Ryder Cup? Not sure of your fourballs from your foursomes?

This morning's fourballs - as the name would suggest - means each player has his own ball, with the best score taken. This afternoon's foursomes has each pair playing one ball between them, taking alternate strokes.

You'll notice that only eight men from each team are in action - four are on the sidelines, as chosen by the captain. This afternoon's foursome pairings will be out towards the end of the fourballs. On Sunday, all 12 men will take part in the singles.

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European Tour golfer Pablo Larrazabal: There is no better excuse than the Ryder Cup to say to your boss that you can't go to work... He will understand... #GoEurope

Friday fourballs

07:35: Justin Rose & Henrik Stenson v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson

07:50: Thomas Bjorn & Martin Kaymer v Rickie Fowler & Jimmy Walker

08:05: Stephen Gallacher & Ian Poulter v Jordan Spieth & Patrick Reed

08:20: Sergio Garcia & Rory McIlroy v Keegan Bradley & Phil Mickelson

The players were out before daylight at Gleneagles, on the range in the dark. Outside, spectators scrambled when the doors were opened, perhaps heading for a seat in the grandstand on the first tee, which, with a capacity of around 1,900, is one of the biggest golf grandstands in the world. So I'm told. Who will be teeing it up there this morning? Let's have a look...

BBC Radio 5 live

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BBC Radio 5 live will be with you all weekend, available online, on digital TVs and via the BBC Sport and BBC Radio apps.

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Excited? I bet you are. The best sporting event in the world? If not, what is? How will you be following on the last day of the working week? Live text minimised on the desktop? Headphones secretly in the ears? And, most importantly, who is going to win? Text 81111, tweet using the hashtag #bbcrydercup or get in touch on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

First tee, grandstand full. Red sheen to the sky above the distant Ochil Hills. Standing ovation for starter Ivor Robson. Snatches of songs as the crowd warm up their singing voices. "There's only one Ivor Robson", "Europe! Europe!" Flags draped over the stands, snappers and media in full force. Cheers accompany the arrival of anyone official looking. Quite soon, this quiet corner of Perthshire will erupt.

Yep, the 40th instalment of the Ryder Cup - the postman of sporting events - begins here and now at Gleneagles.

The pomp and ceremony is complete, the phoney war done, the scrutinising of every captain's word over and the pairs picked.

Spectators have sprinted to their seats and, in not too long from now, the European pair of Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson and the United States duo of Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson will walk into a wall of noise at the first tee to get us under way.

At the end of it all, the gold trophy with the figure of Abe Mitchell on the top with be held aloft.

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The Ryder Cup will be won once more.

...three days of Nicklaus conceding. Olazabal dancing. Of "U-S-A" and "Euuu-rrrroooppe". Of crowd roars and painful groans.

Of McGinley in the lake and Woosnam necking Guinness. Of Battles of Brookline and Miracles at Medinah. Of pristine groups of wives and captains on radios. Of Poulter screaming and Bubba begging for noise. Of Seve.

...every two years they met, formerly as Great Britain v United States, now as Europe v United States.

Three days, fourballs, foursomes and singles. Three days of 28 points, 14½ the magic number...

In the crowd for the second match was a seed seller named Samuel Ryder, who was so enthralled by the occasion that he wanted to set up a regular, official contest.

Ryder - who employed Mitchell as his personal golf coach - donated money to send a British team to the US the following year, along with a gold cup which had the figure of a golfer on top.

And then...

Abe Mitchell was one of the better golfers of his day. Born in Sussex in 1887, Mitchell was runner-up in the 1912 Amateur Championship and finished in the top 10 of the Open on seven occasions.

Mitchell was good enough to be selected for two unofficial matches that pitted the best players of Great Britain against those from the United States, the second of which took place at Wentworth in 1926.