Azinger hints at first round pairings

Paul Azinger has offered a tantalising hint at the possible pairing he will play for the first round of the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Country Club on Friday.

Azinger suggested this week that Kenny Perry and JB Homes might get the nod to lead the charge as the Americans attempt to win back the Ryder Cup.

While long-hitting Holmes would undoubtedly compliment the technical finesse of Perry,  the combination of the two Kentuckian players may be intended to bring the Kentucky crowd into play early in the competition.

Perry reportedly petitioned Azinger not only to allow him to open play for the United States, but also to have Holmes by his side in the opening rounds of the tournament.

"I'd love to go out there and start it off with a bang," Holmes said when presented with the prospect of making his Ryder Cup debut in the first round. "That would be awesome."

Nick Faldo, meanwhile, is taking Azinger's remarks about his possible pairings with a pinch of salt. The European Ryder Cup team captain believes that Azinger's remarks may be nothing more than an attempt to influence the way the Europeans approach the early stages of the tournament.

"I think Paul may be trying to pull a poker move here," Faldo said. "We will see."