Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose will lead Europe out for the second Ryder Cup in succession as Darren Clarke's men begin their campaign for a fourth consecutive victory at Hazeltine.

The duo got Europe off to a flying start at Gleneagles two years ago with a 5 and 4 win over Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson in the fourballs, and will be looking to do the same again in the foursomes in Minnesota against Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth.

The pair went toe to toe at the Olympics, with Rose beating Stenson into the silver medal position, but they are now reunited in a partnership that saw them claim three points out of three in Scotland.

Rory McIlroy will go out in game number two, with the four-time Major Championship winner teeing it up alongside rookie Andy Sullivan against Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickelson.

Sergio Garcia is playing in his eighth Ryder Cup this week and he will play in the third game out alongside Captain's pick Martin Kaymer as they take on Zach Johnson and Jimmy Walker.

Clarke's other Captain's picks will then anchor the morning session for Europe as Lee Westwood and rookie Thomas Pieters go up against Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar.

"I'm very happy with our team and the way the matches have come out," said Clarke. "Justin and Henrik are a very proven, successful Ryder Cup pairing. Both very strong players. You've got the Olympic Champion and the Open Champion. To lead off, they were always going to be my choice. That was never, never in doubt. I'm very pleased to have them leading our attempt to retain The Ryder Cup.

"Both Rory and Sully have expressed their interest and desire to play with each other this week and with the form that Rory is currently in, and Sully playing very nicely, it would be foolish of me not to give them the opportunity.

"You've got Sergio and Martin, two really good friends who want to play with each other.

"I know Lee's game very, very well because he's been a great partner to me in many Ryder Cups. And Thomas Pieters is a very, very talented young man. Thomas Pieters was one of my picks and to get him out with the most seasoned veteran on our team seemed like a bit of a natural pairing for me."

Reed and Spieth will provide a particularly tough challenge in game one having won 2½ points together at Gleneagles, while Mickelson is making his 11th Ryder Cup appearance with Fowler - who is looking for a first win in his ninth game.

Walker tees off this week on the back of his victory at the US PGA Championship alongside another Major winner in former Open champion Johnson.

World Number Two Dustin Johnson won his maiden Major this season at the US Open, with Kuchar claiming bronze in Rio de Janeiro behind Rose and Stenson.

"Every time I looked at this line-up, I just got more and more excited about all four matches," said United States Captain Davis Love III. "Obviously not knowing who they were going to put out but guessing a little bit.

"I think the biggest thing for us is this feeling of preparation and trust and those pairings trust each other in a pressure situation. They are actually very easy.

"We really like the way these guys are playing, our other four are playing very, very well. We've got some power sitting on the bench right now waiting to come in."