Europe 1 1/2 USA 2 1/2
Scotland expected but Stephen Gallacher failed to deliver as the Bathgate man suffered a harsh introduction to the Ryder Cup fray at a bright and breezy Gleneagles this morning.
By the end of the opening session of fourballs, the visiting USA side had forged a narrow 2 ½ - 1 ½ advantage over their European hosts and Gallacher's debut, in the first Ryder Cup on Scottish soil since 1973, was not one to savour.
In partnership with the talismanic Englishman, Ian Poulter, the European duo were routed 5&4 by the inspired rookie pairing of Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed.
Gallacher was roared on into action by the vast galleries that horseshoed around the first tee but there was little to cheer as the encounter unfolded as the European duo struggled to establish any sort of foothold in the match.
In contrast, Spieth, who played in the Junior Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in 2010, and Reed forged a highly profitable partnership. Some had been wary of sending two debutants out together on the first morning but the Texan duo were fearless in their assault as they dovetailed superbly. The American alliance were six-under-par through 11 holes in the better-ball format as they surged into a six hole lead and made a significant statement of intent. Gallacher and Poulter, meanwhile, could only muster one birdie over the 14 holes they played.
Gallacher, who was left out of the afternoon's foursomes, said: "The first tee was magic, just exactly what I was expecting, but it was just a shame we never really got the birdies to compete. It took me a few holes to settle in and find my rhythm."
Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson got Europe off to the perfect start with a 5&4 win over Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson in the opening match but the Americans rallied down the order. Jimmy Walker, in partnership with Rickie Fowler, chipped in twice and then birdied the last to steal a half point against a European pair of Thomas Bjorn and Martin Kaymer who had been three up after four.
In the anchor match, Rory McIlroy, the world No 1, and Sergio Garcia edged into a one hole lead with three to play against Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson but Bradley eagled the 16th to restore parity before Mickelson rolled in a birdie putt on the 18th to steal narrow win.
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