Charting Rare Early Leads for the U.S.

LOUISVILLE--The United States leads the Ryder Cup Matches after the opening morning session for the first time since 1991 at Kiawah Island. How recent matches have stood after the first session:

Year/Format/Result

2008 Foursomes: U.S. leads, 3-1

2006 Four-balls: Europe led, 2 1/2-1 1/2

2004 Four-balls: Europe led, 3 1/2-1/2

2002 Four-balls: Europe led, 3-1

1999 Foursomes: Europe led, 2 1/2-1 1/2

1997: Four-balls: Tied, 2-2

1995: Foursomes: Tied, 2-2

1993: Foursomes: Tied, 2-2

1991: Foursomes: U.S. led, 3-1

The only U.S. team to lose in that 1991 morning session? Chip Beck and Paul Azinger, now the U.S. captain, lost to Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal, 2 and 1.

--Mike O'Malley