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Cape Town - Danny Willett has been left out of the first skirmish in the Ryder Cup as European captain Darren Clarke has opted for experience in Friday’s opening foursomes.
Willett was forced to apologise earlier this week after an article penned by his brother criticised American fans and insulted the US team at Hazeltine.
The reigning Masters champion is not among the eight players selected to lead Europe’s challenge in the foursomes, as Clarke’s men bid to secure a fourth successive Ryder Cup.
Clarke has included all six of those boasting previous Ryder Cup experience in his opening selection, with Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson beginning proceedings.
The pair won Europe’s first point at Gleneagles two years ago and they will face Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed.
Rory McIlroy and Andy Sullivan take on Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler, Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer face Jimmy Walker and Zach Johnson, and Thomas Pieters partners with Lee Westwood to tackle Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar.
Pairings for Friday's opening alternate shot foursomes matches at the 41st Ryder Cup between Europe and the United States (all SA time):
14:35 - Jordan Spieth/Patrick Reed (USA) v Justin Rose (ENG)/Henrik Stenson (SWE)
14:50 - Phil Mickelson/Rickie Fowler (USA) v Rory McIlroy (NIR)/Andy Sullivan (ENG)
15:05 - Jimmy Walker/Zach Johnson (USA) v Sergio Garcia (ESP)/Martin Kaymer (GER)
15:20 - Dustin Johnson/Matt Kuchar (USA) v Thomas Pieters (BEL)/Lee Westwood (ENG)
Sitting out for United States: J.B. Holmes, Brooks Koepka, Brandt Snedeker, Ryan Moore
Sitting out for Europe: Danny Willett (ENG), Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP), Chris Wood (ENG), Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG)
