The U.S. made a statement in its opening match with Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk beating Padraig Harrington and Colin Montgomerie 1 up.The U.S. made a statement in its opening match with Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk beating Padraig Harrington and Colin Montgomerie 1 up.
Furyk was fired up after a key par save on No. 13 to keep him and Woods 1-up.Furyk was fired up after a key par save on No. 13 to keep him and Woods 1-up.
Phil Mickelson had just one winning birdie in the morning.Phil Mickelson had just one winning birdie in the morning.
Despite not being close to one another, Spaniards Jose Maria Olazabal (left) and Sergio Garcia were a formidable duo Friday, beating David Toms and Brett Wetterich 3 and 2.Despite not being close to one another, Spaniards Jose Maria Olazabal (left) and Sergio Garcia were a formidable duo Friday, beating David Toms and Brett Wetterich 3 and 2.
Sergio Garcia has been a major force in four-ball, running his career record to 4-0 on Friday.Sergio Garcia has been a major force in four-ball, running his career record to 4-0 on Friday.
Tiger Woods' wife Elin joined Jim Furyk's wife, Tabitha (background), to watch the action Friday morning.Tiger Woods' wife Elin joined Jim Furyk's wife, Tabitha (background), to watch the action Friday morning.
Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk trailed for 14 of their 18 holes in the afternoon, losing 2-up to Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald.Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk trailed for 14 of their 18 holes in the afternoon, losing 2-up to Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald.
Chris DiMarco earned one of two half-points for the U.S. in the afternoon.Chris DiMarco earned one of two half-points for the U.S. in the afternoon.
Paul McGinley missed this putt on No. 13, but he and Padraig Harrington still managed a halve against Chad Campbell and Zach Johnson.Paul McGinley missed this putt on No. 13, but he and Padraig Harrington still managed a halve against Chad Campbell and Zach Johnson.
Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia and the rest of Europe had plenty of reason to smile after taking the lead following the first day's play for a fifth straight time in the Ryder Cup.Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia and the rest of Europe had plenty of reason to smile after taking the lead following the first day's play for a fifth straight time in the Ryder Cup.
With the U.S. falling behind 5-3 after the first day of competition, U.S. captain Tom Lehman will have to find a more successful formula -- if there is one -- if the U.S. is to reclaim the Cup.With the U.S. falling behind 5-3 after the first day of competition, U.S. captain Tom Lehman will have to find a more successful formula -- if there is one -- if the U.S. is to reclaim the Cup.
The U.S. seemed to be drowning in the team format, having not won a single session, including Saturday morning's four-ball in which Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk lost to Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood.The U.S. seemed to be drowning in the team format, having not won a single session, including Saturday morning's four-ball in which Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk lost to Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood.
Darren Clarke's dream week continued Saturday morning as he and caddie Billy Foster, left, celebrated a second win with Lee Westwood over Woods and Furyk, 3 and 2.Darren Clarke's dream week continued Saturday morning as he and caddie Billy Foster, left, celebrated a second win with Lee Westwood over Woods and Furyk, 3 and 2.
Sergio Garcia has been perfect so far, winning all four of his matches for Europe after a 3 and 2 win over Phil Mickelson and Chris DiMarco.Sergio Garcia has been perfect so far, winning all four of his matches for Europe after a 3 and 2 win over Phil Mickelson and Chris DiMarco.
Ryder Cup rookie J.J. Henry picked up a point for the U.S. on day one, but could only manage a half-point with Stewart Cink on Saturday morning.Ryder Cup rookie J.J. Henry picked up a point for the U.S. on day one, but could only manage a half-point with Stewart Cink on Saturday morning.
Maybe the U.S. needs a pep talk from Michael Jordan, who's been on hand all week cheering on good friend Tiger Woods and the rest of the Americans.Maybe the U.S. needs a pep talk from Michael Jordan, who's been on hand all week cheering on good friend Tiger Woods and the rest of the Americans.
Phil Mickelson has been a non-factor for the U.S., except for maybe this fan, who he hit with his ball. Through the first two days, Mickelson had just a half-point with two more losses coming Saturday.Phil Mickelson has been a non-factor for the U.S., except for maybe this fan, who he hit with his ball. Through the first two days, Mickelson had just a half-point with two more losses coming Saturday.
With Europe building its lead to three by the end of Saturday's morning matches, another pot of gold in the form of a eighth Ryder Cup victory in the last 10 years appeared to be awaiting them at the end of this rainbow.With Europe building its lead to three by the end of Saturday's morning matches, another pot of gold in the form of a eighth Ryder Cup victory in the last 10 years appeared to be awaiting them at the end of this rainbow.
