
Captain Darren Clarke is confident fellow Northern Ireland golfing hero Rory McIlroy can inspire Europe to success and has paired him with English rookie Andy Sullivan in a potential dream team partnership.
Holywood star McIlroy and Sullivan will today take on high profile American duo Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler in the second foursomes in what promises to be a captivating contest.
McIlroy said: "It's not hard for us to be motivated. They are a very, very strong team but we have so many strong players too and are relishing the challenge."
First up for Europe (1.35 pm our time) will be Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson against Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed.
In the other foursomes Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer take on Jimmy Walker and Zach Johnson and Thomas Pieters and Lee Westwood face Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar.
In his speech Clarke thanked his family, including wife Alison and sons Tyrone and Conor, and hailed his players ahead of the tournament.