Europeans rally at Ryder Cup

CHASKA, Minn. — Even with the first opening-session sweep in four decades, the Americans were reminded anew Friday that no lead is safe in the Ryder Cup.

Not after one session. Not after one day.

And based on the last Ryder Cup on American soil, not until it’s over.

Europe battled back from a 4-0 deficit behind its best tandem, Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose, and capped off a long and rowdy day at Hazeltine when its best player, Rory McIlroy, holed a 20-foot eagle putt and then mocked the crowd by taking a bow.

The American celebration turned into a consolation.

They had a 5-3 lead, the margin after the first day at Medinah four years ago that ended in another European victory. They lost a chance to really put Europe in a hole.

“It’s frustrating not to come out a little bit more ahead,” U.S. captain Davis Love III said.

Love could not have scripted a better start — a symbolic one, too.

To honor Arnold Palmer,

United States captain Davis Love III hugs Brooks Koepka after he wins during a four-balls match at Friday’s Ryder Cup tournament at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn.

who died Sunday night, Ryder Cup officials placed on the first tee Palmer’s golf bag from when he was captain of the 1975 Ryder Cup team.

Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed then set the tone with a 3-and-2 foursomes victory over Stenson and Rose, and the Americans delivered the first sweep of the opening session since that 1975 team at Laurel Valley.

Phil Mickelson, feeling more pressure than usual David J. Phillip / The Associated Press

because of his influence on changes and on this team, also produced big shots. His wedge into 5 feet that Rickie Fowler converted was key in the Americans winning three straight holes for a 1-up victory over McIlroy and Andy Sullivan.

“With everything going on — me not having a point and Phil being a big part of getting the players a lot more involved to Arnie passing and him being a huge part of the week, this is big for us,” Fowler said. Ryder Cup At Hazeltine National Chaska, Minn. Yardage: 7,628; Par: 72 UNITED STATES 5, EUROPE 3 FOURSOMES United States 4, Europe 0

Henrik Stenson-Justin Rose, Eur Jordan Spieth-Patrick Reed, U.S. United States, 3 and 2.

Rory McIlroy-Andy Sullivan, Eur Phil Mickelson-Rickie Fowler, U.S. United States, 1 up.

Sergio Garcia-Martin Kaymer, Eur Jimmy Walker-Zach Johnson, U.S. United States, 4 and 2.

Lee Westwood-Thomas Pieters, Eur Dustin Johnson-Matt Kuchar, U.S. United States, 5 and 4.

FOURBALLS Europe 3, United States 1

Justin Rose-Henrik Stenson, Eur Jordan Spieth-Patrick Reed, U.S. Europe, 5 and 4.

Sergio Garcia-Rafa Cabrera Bello, Eur J.B. Holmes-Ryan Moore, U.S. Europe, 3 and 2.

Martin Kaymer-Danny Willett, Eur Brandt Snedeker-Brooks Koepka, US United States, 5 and 4.

Rory McIlroy-Thomas Pieters, Eur Dustin Johnson-Matt Kuchar, US Europe, 3 and 2.

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