PARIS -- Matches can change hands in a heartbeat at the Ryder Cup. So here is a look at what is happening on the first day of action at Le Golf National:
SCORE: UNITED STATES 1, EUROPE 0
First session: Four-ball
How it happened: Even though Rory McIlroy was struggling nearly from the moment he stepped on the golf course, the U.S. side could not take advantage at the start. Johnson and Fowler even walked to the ninth tee 1-down despite McIlroy spraying the ball all over Le Golf National and a shaky open from Olesen, playing in his first Ryder Cup. Then Fowler rolled in birdies at No. 9 and No. 10. Johnson followed with back-to-back birdies at Nos. 12 and 13. Just like that, it was over, with McIlory and Olesen unable to draw near as the U.S. grabbed the first point of the event.
While the Rickie Fowler/Dustin Johnson duo may look dominating, Rory McIlroy didn't help his partner, Ryder Cup rookie Thorbjørn Olesen at all.
What to watch: I'm convinced whoever wins this session will lead by lunch. Koepka and Finau could lose, and Europe could get off to an emotional start with the crowd behind it. The Americans know they're the favorites, so if doubt starts to creep in, Europe captain Thomas Bjorn will look like a genius. But if the United States' most explosive duo comes out and makes 10 birdies between them (a very real possibility), suddenly they've knocked off Europe's best player and put doubt in the head of an extremely important (and volatile) rookie. Lest you think Finau is the least accomplished player in this foursome, consider this: Of his past 24 rounds, 22 of them have been in the 60s. -- Kevin Van Valkenburg
Collins' predction
Match 1 Results Prediction!!
What to watch: As you may have heard, somewhere close to half a million times, Spieth and Thomas have been friends for almost half their lives. Now we'll finally get to see whether that translates into anything in a Ryder Cup. Spieth's recent struggles shouldn't mean too much in this format. It's a bit of a surprise to see Spieth with someone other than Patrick Reed, considering their previous success (including at Gleneagles), but at least he's with someone he's comfortable with. Spieth doesn't need to play 18 great holes, especially with Thomas firing at flags. He just needs to keep Thomas relaxed and make a few clutch up-and-downs to steal a halve or a win that will deflate Casey and Hatton. If there is one match the Americans would be heavily favored to win, I'd think it would be this one. If Casey and Hatton somehow steal it, the day could snowball quickly for the U.S. -- Van Valkenburg
Collins' prediction
Michael Collins makes his pick in the Jordan Spieth/Justin Thomas vs. Paul Casey/Tyrrell Hatton match.
What to watch: If you could watch only one match on Friday, this would probably be it. And it's not just for the Tiger factor, but because it's going to feature the best iron play and probably the most emotion (97 percent of it coming from Reed, who will be harassed all match by the European fans, much to his delight). I actually think it would be a small upset if the United States got a full point here, because Reed hasn't played well in months, Tiger hasn't played well in very many Ryder Cup team matches, and it's going up against two of the best ball strikers Europe has. But the truth is, Reed has been dreaming of this pairing since he was playing junior golf, and Woods has to be eager to erase the perception that he never brings his A game to this event. -- Van Valkenburg
Collins' prediction
Michael Collins makes a bold call in the Patrick Reed/Tiger Woods vs. Francesco Molinari/Tommy Fleetwood match.
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