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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Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports /

Martin Kaymer and Thomas Pieters

Could two of Darren Clarke’s wildcards produce the goods together? This is a pairing that has been rumored ever since Clarke announced his captain’s picks, as both Kaymer and Pieters have spoken about building up something of a rapport on the European Tour this year.

Rumors that these two could see action together as soon as Friday gained further momentum when the duo spent the first two days of last week’s Porsche European Open together, locked intently in conversation while in between shots on Thursday and Friday.

Stylistically, the pair could make a lot of sense too. Both are well-rounded players, meaning there should be little chance of one bringing the other down, even in foursomes. If Pieters’ confidence on the European Tour can carry over, this could become a powerhouse pairing that’s more reminiscent of two Ryder Cup veterans rather than a rookie and a vet.