Ryder Cup Preview: Early Start Times, Europe Favored

It's that time again: time for the Olympics of professional golf. (Well, that is until we welcome golf back into the real Olympics beginning in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, for the first time since 1904.)

Anyway...

Following the requisite two-year hiatus, the 40^th Ryder Cup is upon us, teeing off this Friday, Sept. 26, at 1 a.m. EST - yes, that's one o'clock in the morning, sorry - and providing golf fans everywhere (literally) with a weekend chock full of action. 

"The Ryder Cup is one of the most spectacular events in all of sports and has a special home with Golf Channel and NBC Sports, which combined will provide more than 85 hours of live coverage this week," said Molly Solomon, Executive Producer, Golf Channel and Golf Channel on NBC, in a statement. 

First, a quick recap of the last time the United States and Europe squared off in one of sport's most gripping tournaments.

In 2012, Europe put together a comeback of epic proportions. The United States went into the Sunday singles matches leading 10-6, but the Europeans won the first five matches of the final day to go up by one, and then sealed the Cup with a Martin Kaymer (of Germany) victory over Wisconsin's Steve Stricker.

This year, the USA is out for revenge with captain Tom Watson (Kansas City, Missouri) leading the way. Unfortunately for the Stars and Stripes, however, The Sports Network has pegged Europe as the favorite once again, noting perennial powerhouses Sergio Garcia (Spain) and Ian Poulter (England) as the two most likely to lead the way.

Ryder Cup festivities - which will take place at the PGA Centenary Course in will begin on Thursday with the opening ceremonies, which will be broadcast on the Golf Channel from 9 a.m. until 1 a.m. EST.

On Friday, Session 1 (Fourball) begins at 2:35 a.m. on the Golf Channel, followed by Session Two (Foursomes) at 8:15 a.m.

Saturday you've got Session 1 (Fourball) at 3 a.m. on NBC and Session 2 (Foursomes) at 8:15 a.m.

And finally, on Sunday, 6:36 a.m. on NBC begins 12 straight matches to determine the winner of the 2014 Ryder Cup.