Ryder Cup newcomer Viktor Hovland waxed enthusiastic Tuesday on the possibility of partnering with Rory McIlroy, but European captain Padraig Harrington -- like US counterpart Steve Stricker -- remained cagey on his precise pairing plans.

Hovland, 24, said he thought he'd mesh well with McIlroy, the four-time major winner who will be playing in his sixth Ryder Cup when Europe launches the defense of the title won in France in 2018.