Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher will team up with Mr Ryder Cup, Ian Poulter in tomorrow morning’s Ryder Cup Fourballs.
Press and Journal columnist Gallacher, a rookie member of the team, will join fellow captain’s pick Poulter in the third match, where the duo face US rookies Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed.
Scottish Open champion Justin Rose and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson will get Europe’s bid to retain the Ryder Cup underway in the opening match when they face Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson of the United States.
The second match pits Europe’s Thomas Bjorn and Martin Kaymer against Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker with world number one Rory McIlroy teaming with Sergio Garcia to face Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley in the final match of the opening session.
European captain Paul McGinley backed his team to rise to the occasion and represent the continent with pride in the next three days.
He said: “It is truly and honour to stand in front of these 12 players as captain of the European Ryder Cup team. I’m immensely proud of them and they are without question the pride of Europe.
“Over the next three days Gleneagles will provide fitting stage for what will be an epic contest between two continents steeped in golfing history.
“Scotland is a nation renowned for its friendliness and warmth and it is in that spirit this contest will be held.
“To the crowd I know you will be passionate, loud and proud, but I also know you will be gracious to our hosts and it is this element which makes our Ryder Cup unique.
“We come from diverse cultural backgrounds but together we stand as one. We represent our people, our countries and continent and we relish the challenge ahead.”
The competition will be intense for the next three days but US captain Tom Watson was keen to stress the rivalry is a friendly one.
He said: “Just as Scotland is the heart and soul of the game of golf, the Ryder Cup is the pinnacle of the game of golf.
“We anticipate three incredible days of golf and this is the week where 12 men on each side come together every two years to play as one for our great game.
“We should remember these matches are enriched by those who honour the tradition of the game.
“We began these matches on a note of friendship and will end the same way. I couldn’t be more proud to be captain of this team.”