:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/267879/152898283.jpg)
The United States team has a 5-3 lead in the Ryder Cup after Day 1, and with teams of Webb Simpson and Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley, surely the most energetic of the first day's teams, the USA hopes to gain a commanding lead over the weekend.
The reigning FedEx Cup champion, Brandt Snedeker, in a pairing with Jim Furyk, hopes to get back on track starting at 9:05, playing against what is likely the most chemistry-filled Europe team, the Northern Ireland pairing of Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy. Those two produced a big win on Day 1 while Furyk and Snedeker petered out, but if the pairing of The Tall, Bald One and the Young, Feathery-Haired One can steal the match from McIlroy and McDowell, that could be the clincher for the United States. Here's the complete list of tee times:
8:20 a.m. -- Ian Poulter/Justin Rose (Europe) vs. Bubba Watson/Webb Simpson (USA)
8:35 a.m. -- Luke Donald/Lee Westwood (Europe) vs. Phil Mickelson/Keegan Bradley (USA)
8:50 a.m. -- Sergio Garcia/Nicolas Colsaerts (Europe) vs. Jason Dufner/Zach Johnson (USA)
9:05 a.m. -- Rory McIlroy/Graeme McDowell (Europe) vs. Jim Furyk/Brandt Snedeker (USA)
The European pairings have some intrigue. Here's what SBNation.com's Adam Fonseca had to say about the opening duo of Justin Rose and Ian Poulter:
[European captain Jose Maria] Olazabal quickly made some notable changes for his team's next day of competition. Justin Rose will team with Poulter against the team of Watson and Simpson in Saturday's opening group at 8:20am EST. Rose and Poulter were successful against the Steve Stricker/Tiger Woods pairing in foursomes Friday, and the team will be looking for a repeat performance in day two.
All eyes will be on Medinah Country Club this morning as they U.S. looks to extend its lead.