Mickelson, Kim lead off for U.S. at Ryder Cup

LOUISVILLE, Ky.- Phil Mickelson and rising star Anthony Kim will lead off for the Americans at the Ryder Cup on Friday, while defending champion Europe countered with Padraig Harrington, winner of the last two majors, and Robert Karlsson.

After floating the idea of pairing the team's two Kentucky natives, U.S. captain Paul Azinger decided not to use J.B. Holmes in the morning alternate-shot matches. Kenny Perry will be on the course, going out in the final match with Jim Furyk to face what could be Europe's best team, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia.

The other matches: Justin Leonard and Hunter Mahan of the U.S. vs. Henrik Stenson and Paul Casey; and Stewart Cink and Chad Campbell vs. Europe's Justin Rose and Ian Poulter.