Europe aims to quell Woods frenzy

TIGER Woods, playing in his first Ryder Cup since 2012, was the star attraction in the morning fourballs overnight as holders the US began their attempt to end a 25-year drought on European soil.

More than 60,000 fans were expected to flock to Le Golf National, just outside Paris, for the first Ryder Cup held in France, where 14-time major champion Woods received a prolonged, rousing reception at the opening ceremony.

He partnered the talented yet brash Patrick Reed in the anchor match of the opening session, which began with an intriguing match-up pitting Justin Rose and Jon Rahm against Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau.

“It’s going to be fun for both of us. We’ve been looking forward to teaming up and doing something like this together,” said a reinvigorated Woods, coming off his first win in over five years at last week’s Tour Championship.

An intimidating 6900-seat grandstand surrounds the first tee with scores more guaranteed to pack in tightly around the tee box to generate an intoxicating atmosphere.

Europe captain Thomas Bjorn has placed great faith in his rookies, calling upon four or his five Ryder Cup debutants straight out of the gate.

“When you look at this group of guys that’s come into this team, they are really hard competitors, and I believe in them so much,” Bjorn said.