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Ryder Cup: Europe grabs 5-3 lead

September 26, 2014
US team captain Tom Watson, center, talks with Webb Simpson, left, and Bubba Watson, right, on the first day of the Ryder Cup golf tournament, at Gleneagles, Scotland, Friday, Sept. 26, 2014. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

US team captain Tom Watson, center, talks with Webb Simpson, left, and Bubba Watson, right, on the first day of the Ryder Cup golf tournament, at Gleneagles, Scotland, Friday, Sept. 26, 2014. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

GLENEAGLES, Scotland (AP) — Europe dominated the afternoon foursomes to grab a 5-3 lead after the first day of the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

With the United States ahead 2½-1½ after Friday morning’s fourballs, Europe won three of the alternate-shot matches in the second session and halved the fourth.

Lee Westwood and rookie Jamie Donaldson pulled Europe level by beating Jim Furyk and Matt Kuchar 2 up.

Then, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson won their second match of the day, beating Hunter Mahan and Zach Johnson 2 and 1. Down by 2 with two holes to play, Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia won the 17th and 18th to earn an improbable but vital half point against Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker.

Graeme McDowell and French rookie Victor Dubuisson secured the final point, defeating Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley 3 and 2.