As pairings have dropped for the Friday foursomes, there are a handful of developments that could end up proving crucial to the outcome of the overall event. As a reminder, each of these first four matches will be played in an alternate shot ‘foursome’ format. While both team’s captains have been preparing and strategizing for years. While, I wouldn’t be shocked if the Americans jump out to a day one lead on the backs of their star duos, I also can’t say the Europeans won’t come out swinging either. 

Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns tee off against Jon Rahm and Tyrell Hatton in the first match of the 2023 Ryder Cup. On paper, this should be a win for the US. While something tells me that Europe Captain Luke Donald sees something he really likes in the pairing of Rahm/Hatton, USA Captain Zach Johnson seems to want to come out of the gates with as much firepower as he can muster. Pairing the world number one (Scheffler) with the world number 20 (Burns) just may be enough to come out to a first match win.

Prediction: Scheffler/Burns win 3 and 2.

Brian Harman and Max Homa versus Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg will be the second grouping to go out in this year’s cup, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say that Viktor Hovland isn’t someone to be afraid of on the course right now. Pair him with the guy who has been the talk of Team Europe leading into this event and Homa/Harman will have their work cut out for them. Don’t underestimate the Swe-wegian connection. The American’s saving grace might just be Brian Harman’s masterful lag-putting, something that Marco Simone Golf and Country Club is set to challenge heavily. 

Prediction: Hovland/Aberg win 2 and 1

Rickie Fowler and Collin Morikawa alternating against Sepp Straka and Shane Lowry is, on paper, Friday’s lowest ranked match, but that doesn’t automatically mean it will be boring. The Americans, ranked 25 and 19 in the world respectively, have the ranking edge over Straka and Lowry’s 22 and 34, even if not by much. But, ‘Big Thick Rick’ (am I getting that right?) and Shane Lowry represent fan favorites for either team. This one is poised to be Friday’s most evenly matched grouping, so keep an eye out on the back 9 to see if it ends up being pivotal. 

Prediction: Our first TIE of the tourney 

Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay verse Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood promises to contain some fireworks. With McIlroy undoubtedly being one of the players Marco Simone GCC has been tailored for, I’m expecting some fireworks from him early. My bonus prediction for this match is McIlroy tees first for his duo, hoping to eventually cut the corner on 14 and drive the green on 16, two crucial holes of the back 9. That being said, Schauffele was one of America’s golden-boys two years ago at Whistling Straits, finishing with a record of 3-1-0. His and Patrick Cantlay’s dynamic duo offers the US great promise. Again, this match comes down to the putting. Tee-to-green it seems the Europeans have the slight edge, but Schauffele being number four on Tour in strokes gained putting might be enough to be a difference maker. 

Prediction: McilRoy and Fleetwood win 2 and 1 

I’m keeping my guesses conservative for day one, no blowouts and no major upsets, with Europe ending the morning foursomes at a 2-1-1 lead.