Differing views on choosing Ryder Cup pairings

European Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer wants to know what is on his golfers' minds.

U.S. Ryder Cup captain Hal Sutton, on the other hand, does not really care what his players think when the time comes for him to decide the pairings for this week's biennial showdown for team golf's biggest prize.

The two captains' contrasting styles and philosophies were exposed on Tuesday when players got their first look at the Oakland Hills layout that will provide the battle ground for the 35th Ryder Cup.

Last week at the German Open, Langer asked eight members of his team playing in that event to write down who they would like to play with and if there was anyone they felt uncomfortable partnering.

Team chemistry has been viewed as one of the key components behind Europe's recent Ryder Cup success and something Langer is determined to instil in this year's squad as they defend the trophy won in 2002 at The Belfry.

"I've talked to my guys to get a bit of an idea who they would maybe rather play with than not," said Langer, a veteran of 10 Ryder Cups as a player. "I don't see any negative side to that.

"I've made the effort to look at past Ryder Cups and past World Cups and other team championships to see who has played well together and who has not.

"But I'm in a unique situation where I could pretty much play all my guys.

"They respect each other, they can all play. There's no real weakness among them.

"All of them would love to play with each other.

"I don't have a situation where three guys come up to me and say, 'Oh please don't pair me with this guy because I can't stand him'.

"Generally as a player, I know that sooner or later you would like to know or have some idea who you might be playing (with) or if you're playing at all."

A poker-faced Sutton refused to reveal his hand, saying he would wait until Thursday before informing his men who they will be partnering for Friday's opening four-ball matches.

Knowing the right pair can win team golf's biggest jackpot, Sutton has kept his cards close to his chest, even rejecting attempts by an anxious U.S. Masters champion Phil Mickelson to learn with whom he will be playing.

"I'm not going to tell them until Thursday and they have no clue who they are going to play with," he said.

"If they know who it is, they start worrying about their partner's game instead of worrying about their own."

While Langer believes he can pair any of his players and feel comfortable, he made it clear he is not about to simply draw names out of hat.

"I watch how they get along, how well they practise," said Langer. "Who is in the zone already, who is hitting perfect and some others might not be hitting so good.

"But the idea today was to just let the guys have a good look at the golf course.

"I didn't want them to worry about pairings and who wants to play with whom.

"That's not important today.

"Today is to get a feel for the golf course. Get a game plan going."