Azinger to send out local duo

US Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger has revealed he plans to fire up the Kentucky crowds by sending out local boys JB Holmes and Kenny Perry together on Friday morning.

“I’ve thought about what I’m going to do with these two guys,” said Azinger, “and I’d like to put them off first match out, to get this crowd rocking.”

Big-hitting Holmes and the veteran Perry joined Jim Furyk and Boo Weekley for practice rounds together on Tuesday and Wednesday, with both players relishing the experience of teaming up in front of their home fans. “I’ve pushed for it all year,” said Perry, who later admitted to feeling like Tiger for a day, having signed so many autographs.

“JB was my choice and I thought it would be special for two Kentuckians to lead the charge out here to try to win the Ryder Cup. With the energy and the excitement I just think it’s going to put a lot of pressure on the Europeans. He is playing awesome.”

That’s a fair description of Holmes’ prodigious length; on Tuesday, encouraged by supporters, he went for the green on the 13th and made it with a monstrous drive of  338 yards. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Holmes then unleashed another rocket on the 467-yard 16th that left him just 100 yards in.

 “I was just having fun with the crowd,” said Holmes.

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