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.

Image source, 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.

Image source, 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."

Image source, Rydercupteamusa

Ryder Cup Team USA:, external 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.

Image source, rydercupeurope

Ryder Cup Team Europe:, external 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.

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

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