Nick Faldo may have made a meal of it but his "sandwich list" became his real list – and it will be Padraig Harrington and Robert Karlsson who kick off Europe's bid for an unprecedented fourth successive Ryder Cup victory at Valhalla.
Not, though, against Kentucky pair Kenny Perry and JB Holmes, but against Phil Mickelson and cup newcomer Anthony Kim.
The big-hitting but erratic Holmes sits out the session, while Perry takes over from the injured Tiger Woods as Jim Furyk's part
ner.
They will play the "fearsome twosome" of Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood in the bottom match.
Many thought Faldo would start with Garcia and Westwood.
Henrik Stenson and Paul Casey are in the second game against Justin Leonard and Hunter Mahan, while Justin Rose does not have to wait for his debut.
Rose partners controversial wildcard selection Ian Poulter, his close friend, against Stewart Cink and Chad Campbell.
Resting during the morning for Europe are Miguel Angel Jimenez and rookies Graeme McDowell, Oliver Wilson and Soren Hansen.
For the United States it is Ben Curtis, Holmes, Steve Stricker and Boo Weekley.
America have not won the opening session since Kiawah Island in 1991 and the last time they even shared it was 11 years ago at Valderrama.
Of Woods' absence, Faldo said: "It's one of the few events we've been to where Tiger really has not been mentioned at all.
"The Ryder Cup is bigger than any player, as we know.
"We play for points and that's it. I've been so engrossed with my team that Tiger has not crossed my mind this week."
Draw for the opening foursomes: (US names first, all times BST) 1305 Phil Mickelson & Anthony Kim v Padraig Harrington & Robert Karlsson; 1320 Justin Leonard & Hunter Mahan v Henrik Stenson & Paul Casey;1335 Stewart Cink & Chad Campbell v Justin Rose & Ian Poulter; 1350 Kenny Perry & Jim Furyk v Lee Westwood & Sergio Garcia.
The full article contains 323 words and appears in EP Leeds First & County newspaper.
