Just as they did in the 2004 Ryder Cup, Colin Montgomerie and Padraig Harrington get the chance to inflict an early advantage over the United States in the opening fourballs at the K Club tomorrow (Friday).
And again World No.1 Tiger Woods is the opposition but this time his partner will be world No.3 Jim Furyk.
New World matchplay champion Paul Casey follows up paired with Robert Karlsson of Sweden to take on Stewart Cink and US rookie JJ Henry, who has obviously impressed his captain Tom Lehman in the build up to the 2006 series of matches.
Another rookie Brett Wetterich also gets chance to show his mettle quickly and teams up in the third match with experienced David Toms to face the Spanish matadors Sergio Garcia and Jose-Maria Olazabal.
Completing the fourball morning line-up (matches start at 8am) and generating a huge cheer from the opening ceremony audience is Darren Clarke.
The Ulsterman lost his wife heather in August but received a captain's pick from Ian Woosnam and gets to share the first day tee with fellow wild card Lee Westwood against Phil Mickelson and Chris di Marco.
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