Sport Book Service | Ryder Cup 2016: Bill Murray, Kurt Russell and Niall Horan face off in Celebrity matches ahead of Fridays tee-off at Hazeltine

STARS from both sides of the pond have been taking part in a celebrity version of the Ryder Cup before the main event tees-off at Hazeltine on Friday.

Competitors included actors Bill Murray andKurt Russell, crooner Niall Horan and sporting legendsMichael Phelps,Martina Navratilova andAlessandro Del Piero.

The two celebrity teams pose for a photo before the matches beginCredit: Getty Images

Horan was followed around the course by a group of excited spectatorsCredit: Sportsfile

The singer saved Europe from a complete whitewashCredit: Sportsfile

It was a tough day for Europe - who will hope to fair better in the real Ryder Cup after being defeated inall but one match-up.

Playing in a scramble format, the celebs paired up andthe total holes won accumulated to form the final team score.

Russell and fellow star of the screen Rob Riggle took on footballing pair Del Piero andAndriy Shevchenko, finishing 4-up over the Europeans.

Paul O'Connell and Bill Murray share some tipsCredit: Sportsfile

The actor was impressive from the fairway as the USA dominatedCredit: EPA

It was a similar story for Olympic hero Phelps, who partnered with surferKelly Slater and thrashedJohn Regis and tennis-ace Navratilova to finish 6-up.

Phelps said: "I havent played a lot of golf, but really love the game. This was a great experience.

"Today, it was an amazing atmosphere. People were yelling 2020 around the course. That was pretty funny, because its not happening."

Spanish chef Jose Andres embraces fellow cook from US Todd EnglishCredit: EPA

Phelps was quick to rule out a possible return to the pool in 2020Credit: EPA

Italian legend Del Piero smashes out of the Hazeltine bunkerCredit: Getty Images

Todd English andJeremy Roenick saw offJose Andres & Nigel Lythgoe by 4, and former One Direction singer Niall was pleased that he and partnerPaul OConnell managed to halve with Murray & Huey Lewis.

Actor Kurt Russell said: It was a blast!Ive played in many pro-ams before, including Pebble Beach, but this one felt different the moment I arrived. You could feel it.

The Ryder Cup begins on Friday and Team USA are looking for their first triumph since 2008.

Full results

Kurt Russell & Rob Riggle def. Alessandro Del Piero & Andriy Shevchenko - 4 up

Michael Phelps & Kelly Slater def. John Regis & Martina Navratilova - 6 up

Todd English & Jeremy Roenick def. Jose Andres & Nigel Lythgoe - 4 up

Bill Murray & Huey Lewis with Paul OConnell & Niall Horan - Halved