Azinger is hoping to reverse the fortunes of the US team

Azinger, 48, a veteran of four Ryder Cups as a player, hopes the ploy will help the Americans end a run of three successive defeats by Europe.

The competition has not started with foursomes since Brookline in 1999 - the last time the US tasted victory.

"I've decided to change that back," Azinger told reporters on Wednesday.

606: DEBATE How could this move affect the course of the match?

"I hope it's the right decision. We're switching, we're going back to alternate shot in the morning and we'll just see how it plays out.

"I felt like the Americans had an edge in alternate shot and I think it's partly responsible for why Europe (in recent years) has gotten off to a pretty hot start."

Azinger has also revamped the wild-card system and will have four captains picks instead of the traditional two. He will delay naming them until two weeks before the sides meet.

His selections will be known on 2 September, two days after European counterpart Nick Faldo completes his line-up with two wild cards.

Azinger added: "They've won five of the last six Ryder Cups and I'm hoping that the selection process we put in place is going to get the best American players on this team."

This year's tournament takes place at the Valhalla Golf Club in Lousiville, Kentucky from 19 to 21 September.