The Ryder Cup opening ceremony has been forced into a late schedule change due to the threat of thunderstorms at Bethpage Black.

The event traditionally takes place on the Thursday afternoon of Ryder Cup week - ahead of the biennial contest getting under way the following morning - but has been brought forward by 24 hours to avoid bad weather.

The PGA of America has confirmed that the opening ceremony will now take place on Wednesday afternoon at 4pm (9pm UK time), a day earlier than planned, with rain, strong winds and thunderstorms all in Thursday's forecast.

Keegan Bradley and Luke Donald are now set to reveal their pairings for the opening foursomes session in a joint captain's press conference on Thursday afternoon, while the Ryder Cup is still scheduled to begin at 7.10am (12.10pm

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