Ryder Cup hit by early disruption as thunderstorms in New York prompt organizers to rip up schedule

The Ryder Cup opening ceremony has been brought forward 24 hours as thunderstorms threaten the start of this week's battle between USA and Europe.

Keegan Bradley's Americans are due take on the visitors - led by Luke Donald - over three days at Bethpage Black. 

Both sets of players and their partners traditionally come together for a glitzy event on the afternoon before Friday's opening matches. 

But the PGA of America revealed on Tuesday that 'due to the forecast of inclement weather' on Thursday afternoon, the curtain-raiser would be moved to Wednesday at 4pm ET.

Wind, rain and thunderstorms are all due to hit Long Island on Thursday. 

The action at Bethpage Black is slated to kick off on Friday morning, with more rain and a possible thunderstorm due later in the day.

Organizers confirmed that - as planned - Bradley and Donald will announce their pairings for the opening matches at 4pm on Thursday.

'Ryder Cup+ ticket holders for Thursday, will now be admitted both Wednesday and Thursday,' it was announced.

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