Tiger Woods, playing in his first Ryder Cup since 2012, will be the star attraction in Friday's morning fourballs as holders the United States attempt to end a 25-year drought on European soil.
Over 60,000 fans are expected to flock to Le Golf National, just outside Paris, for the first Ryder Cup held in France, where 14-time major champion Woods received a prolonged, rousing reception at the opening ceremony.
He will partner the talented, yet brash Patrick Reed in the anchor match of the opening session, which begins with an intriguing matchup pitting Justin Rose and Jon Rahm against Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau.
"It's going to be fun for both of us. We've been looking forward to teaming up and doing something like this together," said a reinvigorated Woods, coming off his first win in over five years at last week's Tour Championship.
"We finally have our opportunity to go against two great competitors." An intimidating 6,900-capacity grandstand surrounds the first tee with scores more guaranteed to pack in tightly around the tee box to generate an intoxicating atmosphere.
"When I first saw that on the first tee, I looked up and felt like I kept looking up and up and up," said Reed, who partnered a largely po-faced Woods in Thursday's nine-hole practice round.
"It's going to be an unbelievable atmosphere." Europe captain Thomas Bjorn has placed great faith in his rookies, calling upon four or his five Ryder Cup debutants straight out of the gate.
"When you look at this group of guys that's come into this team, they are really hard competitors, and I believe in them so much," said Bjorn. "I wanted to give them that responsibility of standing up and go out there and enjoy it."
- 'Hit the fairway' -
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"They are all difficult to leave out, especially guys that have played in so many," said Bjorn. "I'm quite sure that you'll see them on the golf course at some stage before Sunday."