The golden couple: Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson set to open Ryder Cup against Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed

Europe’s Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson will face Americans Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed in Friday’s opening Ryder Cup foursomes match, a showdown of two unbeaten duos from the 2014 event.

Europe seeks an unprecedented fourth victory in a row over the host United States at Hazeltine. The Europeans have won six of the past seven and eight of the last 10 meetings in the biennial team golf rivalry.

England’s Rose, who won the first Olympic title in 112 years last month, and Sweden’s Stenson, the reigning British Open champion, went 3-0 together in Europe’s win two years ago at Gleneagles, winning once in alternate shot foursomes and twice in four-ball.

“Justin and Henrik are a very proven, successful Ryder Cup pairing. Both very strong players,” Europe captain Darren Clarke said. “To lead off, they were always going to be my choice. That was never, never in doubt.”

Spieth, a two-time major winner, and Reed, who won respect for his fiery style when paired with fellow newcomer Spieth in 2014, won twice in four-ball and halved a foursomes match against Rose and Germany’s Martin Kaymer in Scotland.