Darren Clarke changes groupings for final Ryder Cup practice
By Ali Stafford at Hazeltine
Last Updated: 30/09/16 12:04am
Darren Clarke gave an indication as to his possible Ryder Cup pairings by loading his final practice groups with experience.
Clarke revealed in his press conference on Wednesday he is already "almost 100 per cent" certain of his pairings for the opening day, when Europe will begin their bid for a fourth consecutive victory.
The European captain had mixed two rookies with two established Ryder Cup players in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday, but changed his style for the final session on the eve of the tournament.
Europe went out with three former Ryder Cup winners and one rookie in the opening two groups, with the remaining four first-timers making up the final fourball.
Open champion Henrik Stenson and Olympic gold medallist Justin Rose, who won all three matches together at Gleneagles in 2014, were part of the opening fourball to tee off.
They were joined by FedExCup winner Rory McIlroy and rookie Andy Sullivan, who has previously expressed interest in playing alongside the Northern Irishman this week.
Lee Westwood and Masters champion Danny Willett featured in the next group in a repeat of their final round pairing at Augusta, with experienced duo Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer completing that group.
English pair Chris Wood and Matt Fitzpatrick then went out at 10am local time, alongside fellow rookies Rafa Cabrera Bello and Thomas Pieters.
USA captain Davis Love III decided to send out Rickie Fowler, Phil Mickelson, J.B Holmes and Ryan Moore in their first group, ahead of Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed, Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar.
Zach Johnson, Jimmy Walker, Brooks Koepka and Brandt Snedeker are the final group out later today, with the Friday foursome pairings announced at the end of the opening ceremony - live from 9pm on Sky Sports 4.
