Ryder Cup 2012 Schedule: When to Watch Best Matchups of Friday Morning

The Ryder Cup is one of the best sporting events of the year.

Even if you aren't a huge golf fan, the match-play of this popular tournament makes it incredibly intriguing. It's not just a bunch of guys going up against each other. Instead, it's one-on-one, or in the case of Friday and Saturday, two-on-two.

With four "foursome" matches set up for Friday morning, let's take a look at the two I'm most looking forward to watching and when you can watch them tee off. 

For a complete look at Friday's morning schedule, check out golf.com.

Jim Furyk/Brandt Snedeker vs. Rory McIlroy/Graeme McDowell: 8:20 a.m. ET

This is without a doubt the best matchup of the morning foursome matchups. 

First of all, it includes Rory McIlroy, who, over the past two months, has established himself as the best golfer in the world. Moreover, if there was a position better than "best," it would be McIlroy. That's how well he's playing.

In addition to the PGA Championship massacre that McIlroy put on the rest of the field, he's won two of his last three tournaments. 

But the only one he lost? The Tour Championship. And who won that? Brandt Snedeker.

The American is the only player to beat McIlroy in the last month, and he'll get a chance to extend this suddenly-increasing rivalry on Friday.

Oh yeah, and this group also includes Ryder Cup veteran Jim Furyk. 

Phil Mickelson/Keegan Bradley vs. Luke Donald/Sergio Garcia: 8:35 a.m. ET

In case you were wondering, Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia are really good when they team up for match-play (via ESPN's Justin Ray) at the Ryder Cup:

"

Phil and Keegan have their work cut out for them Friday morning - Luke Donald and Sergio are a combined 14-0-1 career in RC foursomes.

— Justin Ray (@JRayESPNGolf) September 27, 2012"

So, by "really good," I meant unbeatable. Good luck, Phil and Keegan.

Nonetheless, while this one seems like an impossible task for the Americans, don't necessarily write this one off.

Lefty has had a bad season by his standards, yes, and he's historically struggled at the Ryder Cup, but it's always hard to bet against him. When he's "on," he is easily one of the best golfers in the world.

Add in Keegan Bradley, who quietly has a win, a second-place and a third-place finish this year with five total Top 10 finishes, and this is suddenly an intriguing matchup. Bradley is one of the better up-and-coming golfers on the Tour and should be able to save Phil with his tremendous approach and putting ability.

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