Day one of the 40th Ryder Cup belonged to Europe who lead the USA 5-3 after a day that saw plenty of momentum changes throughout the 11 hours of play.
Paul McGinley’s side started brightly with Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson out of the traps quickly against an out of sorts Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson. The Europeans took the top match in the fourballs 5&4.
It looked like Martin Kaymer and Thomas Bjorn would make it 2 wins from 2 but they had to settle for a half against Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker despite a two hole lead heading on the 16th hole.
Ian Poulter is known as Mr. Ryder Cup and has even being called the Postman because he always delivers. Unfortunately the Postman must have lost his mail because Poulter and rookie Stephen Gallacher lost 5&4 to rookie pair Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed.
The Americans were impressive and it was a major surprise that US captain Tom Watson didn’t pick them for the afternoon foursomes.
Rory McIlroy was paired with Sergio Garcia but the world number 1 and 3 respectively failed to perform and went down by one hole to Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson.
That meant the visitors took a 2.5 to 1.5 lead into the afternoon foursomes session.
The Europeans needed a reaction in the second session and it was Ryder Cup veteran Lee Westwood who led them out alongside rookie Jamie Donaldson and they levelled things up with a 2 hole win over Jim Furyk and Matt Kuchar.
McGinley used Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson again and they ended the day with 2 points thanks to a 2&1 win over Hunter Mahan and Zach Johnson.
Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia were given a chance to redeem themselves against Jimmy Walker and Rickie Fowler but they struggled once again. McIlroy was wayward with a new driver but Garcia was even worse of the tee. However McIlroy holed a stunning 35 foot birdie putt on the 17th to bring the match down the last and Garcia hit a sweet five wood onto the 18th green which led to a birdie and an unlikely half for the hosts.
McIlroy's birdie putt on the 17th which sent the match down the last:
Graeme McDowell and the last of the rookies Victor Dubuisson impressed in the final match against Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley - the Europeans won 3 and 2 to see off the previously unbeaten American pair.
It all means Europe have the early edge in their bid for an eight win in the last 10 contests.
Day 2 starts at 7.35 on Saturday morning with fourballs:
Justin Rose & Henrik Stenson Vs Bubba Watson & Matt Kuchar
Jamie Donaldson & Lee Westwood Vs Jim Furyk & Hunter Mahan
Thomas Bjorn & Martin Kaymer Vs Patrick Reed & Jordan Spieth
Rory McIlroy & Ian Poulter Vs Jimmy Walker & Rickie Fowler
