Rory McIlroy to face Patrick Reed in Ryder Cup Sunday singles
By Ali Stafford at Hazeltine
Last Updated: 02/10/16 2:33am
Rory McIlroy will face Patrick Reed in the opening match of the Ryder Cup Sunday singles, as Europe look to make a fast start at Hazeltine.
Captain Darren Clarke has chosen to send his big players out first, with Henrik Stenson and impressive rookie Thomas Pieters also out early, as Europe look to overturn a 9.5-6.5 deficit on the final day.
McIlroy heads in to the Sunday singles off the back of three straight wins while paired with Pieters, but faces a tough test against Reed - who posted six birdies and an eagle on his way to a 2&1 victory in the Saturday fourballs.
Europe famously fought back from four points down to win on Sunday at Medinah in 2012, with Clarke's side needing to produce a similar kind of performance in Minnesota if they are to secure a record fourth straight victory.
The visitors would need to claim eight of the 12 points on offer to lift the trophy they last failed to win in 2008, while 7.5 points would see them tie the contest and retain the title.
Open champion Stenson faces two-time major winner Jordan Spieth ahead of Pieters taking on JB Holmes, before Justin Rose takes on Rickie Fowler.
Unbeaten American duo Brandt Snedeker and Brooks Koepka entertain English rookies Andy Sullivan and Danny Willett respectively, while Chris Wood has been handed a tough draw against US Open champion Dustin Johnson.
Ryder Cup veterans Sergio Garcia and Phil Mickelson go head-to-head, as Lee Westwood faces captain's pick Ryan Moore and Medinah hero Martin Kaymer plays Matt Kuchar.
Sunday singles draw
5.04pm Patrick Reed v Rory McIlroy
5.15pm Jordan Spieth v Henrik Stenson
5.26pm JB Holmes v Thomas Pieters
5.37pm Rickie Fowler v Justin Rose
5.48pm Jimmy Walker v Rafa Cabrera Bello
5.59pm Phil Mickelson v Sergio Garcia
6.10pm Ryan Moore v Lee Westwood
6.21pm Brandt Snedeker v Andy Sullivan
6.32pm Dustin Johnson v Chris Wood
6.43pm Brooks Koepka v Danny Willett
6.54pm Matt Kuchar v Martin Kaymer
7.05pm Zach Johnson v Matt Fitzpatrick
