Davis Love III feels Patrick Reed is "built for the Ryder Cup" after choosing to send out his top performer first to tackle Rory McIlroy in a heavyweight opening singles match at Hazeltine on Sunday.

Reed, playing with regular partner Jordan Spieth, was the undisputed star in Minnesota on Saturday, holing six birdies and a spectacular eagle to beat Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson 2 and 1 in the last fourballs match.

The 26-year-old's efforts helped the USA to take a commanding 9.5 - 6.5 lead over the holders.

And Reed will hope to set the tone again on the final day, European captain Darren Clarke having opted to start with in-form world number three McIlroy.

"We got what we expected from Darren, and I'm sure he didn't expect anything different from us," Love told a news conference when asked about the powerhouse showdown. 

"I told Ian Poulter back in 2012 that he was built for the Ryder Cup, and I think Patrick Reed is built for the Ryder Cup, too. He's got that attitude.

"Obviously that's going to be a fun match to watch in two of the best players in the game going at it. But you just go down the list, there's great match after great match after great match. It's going to be fun to watch."

Love was the captain when Europe came from 10 - 6 down to win in Illinois four years ago, a turnaround dubbed the 'Miracle of Medinah'.

And while the hosts have attempted not to dwell on that now infamous collapse, the USA's skipper confirmed painful past experience informed the order of players he selected for Sunday's singles.

"We keep looking forward," he said.

"But trust me, the six captains, we talk about it, because we've learned - we've brought up every year … 2008, 2012, 2014 were all talked about, but that's our job. 

"That's the reason why we're the captains. That's the reason why those guys said, I will come and help, is because they have experience. 

"So yeah, we talked about it, and we threw a line-up out there based on that."

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