Ryder Cup to start on time

Play was due to start on time at the 36th Ryder Cup at the K Club this morning despite a night of high winds.

Poor conditions had led to fears the event might not finish until Monday but gates opened at 6am ahead of the scheduled 8am start.

Gusts reached up to 67mph overnight but the storm had passed by the time of a morning inspection.

A tidy-up operation began at first light but all on-site structures were secure.

The was due to commence with the opening fourball match between Europe’s Colin Montgomerie and Padraig Harrington and the USA’s Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk.