Ryder Cup: 5 Most Intriguing European Pairings

Sep 27, 2016; Chaska, MN, USA; The European Team photo on the 10th Fairway at Hazeltine National Golf Club ahead of the 41st Ryder Cup. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2016; Chaska, MN, USA; The European Team photo on the 10th Fairway at Hazeltine National Golf Club ahead of the 41st Ryder Cup. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson

Not only does this grouping pair together the gold and silver medalists from the Rio Olympics, a US Open and Open champion, and two of the highest ranked players on the European team, but it acts as a continuation of a partnership that already has a great track record.

Rose and Stenson played three of the four team sessions together at Gleneagles in 2014, coming away with commanding wins in each match. Not only did Stenson and Rose win two fourball matches, but they proved they could mesh together in the often more problematic alternate shot, foursomes format.

With so many rookies on his team, it wouldn’t be surprising if Darren Clarke chooses to split two of his veterans up this time around, but that could be a big mistake. With half the team being comprised of rookies, having a group who can act as a lock for points would be a big boost to the Europeans, and this duo are as close to that as they come at a Ryder Cup.