European captain Darren Clarke is confident Rory McIlroy will cope with the hostile atmosphere on the final day of the 2016 Ryder Cup after being put out first in the singles.
Europe go into the last day of the tournament trailing the USA by three points after the reigning champions struggled in Saturday’s fourball session.
America, who are aiming to lift the trophy for the first time since 2008, won the afternoon stage 3-1 and Davis Love III’s side are now leading 9.5-6.5.
However, the skipper will be wary of such a sizeable lead, having been in charge when the US were pegged back by Europe in the ‘Miracle of Medinah’ in 2012.
The focus now turns to the singles at Hazeltine and both captains have decided to send out the big guns first in a bid to get some early points on the board.
Rory McIlroy, who has been the standout performer for Europe so far, will go up against Patrick Reed in the opening contest in what should be a cracking encounter.
The Northern Irishman has been very vocal in a bid to quieten the partisan home crowd and Clarke is confident his star man can keep his rich vein of form going.
“He’s playing some of the best golf of his life right now,” he said “I know for a fact that he can’t wait to get on that tee. I have no worries about Rory.”
Jordan Spieth will take on Henrik Stenson in match two, JB Holmes goes up against Thomas Pieters while Justin Rose will be hoping to get the better of Rickie Fowler.
Jimmy Walker takes on Spaniard Rafa Cabrera-Bello, Sergio Garcia faces up against Phil Mickelson with Ryan Moore taking on out-of-form Lee Westwood.
The remaining five matches see Brandt Snedeker battle Andy Sullivan, Dustin Johnson faces Chris Wood, Brooks Koepka takes on Danny Willett, Matt Kuchar goes head-to-head with Martin Kaymer while Zach Johnson ends the singles against Matthew Fitzpatrick.
USA are firm 1.22 favourites to win the Ryder Cup, a draw is priced at 11.00 whilst Europe are a 6.00 chance.
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