Jordan Spieth discusses his incredible shot on the 17th green that almost sent him into Lake Michigan. (0:45).
SHEBOYGAN (Wis.) -- Before the sun rose over Lake Michigan, the grandstands were filled and all those in them were dancing, singing and enjoying one the most remarkable days in U.S. Ryder Cup history.
The scene also featured smiling American golfers.
Although the narrative is often negative about the U.S. and the biennial competition, it was positive at Whistling Straits on Friday. The Americans took a surprise 6-2 lead. This is the largest first-day advantage since 1975. This is the fourth consecutive time the Americans have won the opening session of the Ryder Cup, which was expanded to include all Europe in 1979. It also happened in 2009, 2008, and 2010.
Dustin Johnson and Xander Schaffele led the charge, each going 2-0 with their respective partners. The U.S. surged ahead and went 3-1 in morning foursomes and continued to go 3-1 in afternoon four-ball.
Johnson, 37, a No. 2 player in the world, said, "From the moment we walked on today's first tee and ended this afternoon, it was amazing," Johnson. Johnson, 37, is the No. 2 player in the world and also the oldest American player. "The fans have been wonderful and have been very respectful for both sides. It's been great fun. This event is made possible by the fans."
It is great fun to win, but it is a fleeting feeling that Americans have experienced during their Ryder Cup experience for the last two decades.
In Paris three years ago, the U.S. led 3-1 after the first session. They were then swept in the afternoon, but never recovered their lead and lost the match for the fourth consecutive Ryder Cup.
The U.S. has a history of leading in Ryder Cup first-sessions. Europe did not have an advantage after the morning back in 2006. But all those who follow the competition understand how important that is. Five of the seven Ryder Cups that Europe has won in this period have been won by Europe, including 2018 when the U.S. was 3-1 in morning, lost 4-0 in afternoon, and never recovered.
The Americans increased their lead with Johnson and Schauffele beating Bernd Wiesberger and Paul Casey in the first four-ball match. They eventually won 2 and 1.
After Tony Finau had eight 3s on the card, Harris English joined him after they sat out in morning. He added the next point to his score, which was a 4 and 3 win over Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, and Shane Lowry.
Finau said, "You just need to enjoy it," and he made six birdies. You can't help but love the cheers of these people. That was what I discovered in Paris. Harris was a great partner and really helped me. We played all day, and we put a lot pressure on our opponents."
McIlroy lost to Ian Poulter in morning play. He was 0-2 in his first Ryder Cup session.
The Europeans saved some momentum when Tyrrell Hartton birdied 18th hole to tie Jon Rahm with Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau. This match was the best of the day. Neither team led by more than one hole.
DeChambeau rocked Whistling Strits with his 417-yard drive on fifth hole to set up an Eagle, but Scheffler and he couldn't get away. Their match was the first to reach the 18th hole.
Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay battled back through eight holes from a 3 down deficit to tie the match when Thomas birdied the 16th. The match was tied at No. 18 was the winning score.
The U.S. leads the two sessions. This is the largest lead since 1975 at Royal Lytham when there were only five matches per day: the U.S. led Great Britain & Ireland 7 to 2 1/2.
The U.S. captain Steve Stricker had surprisingly divided the foursomes winning team of Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay -- they easily won 5 and 3 over McIlroy & Poulter.
Schauffele and Cantlay won 5 and 3 after playing five holes.
McIlroy stated that the start was not great after falling five holes. "I don’t know if anybody could have beat Xander or Patrick today. They were good. Four birdies in succession. They played fantastic, geez. They made a great team today, and you can only praise them for their performance.
Since 2006, Europe hasn't won an opening session of the Ryder Cup. However, that has usually meant little. Europe won this year, as well as 2010, 2012 and 2014, as well as 2018, 2017, 2014, 2015 and 2018. The afternoon performance was therefore so important to the Americans.
Three years ago, Thomas and Spieth were 3-1 for the Americans in Paris. It looked like the best U.S. team. They lost to Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia and Spieth in three sets. Spieth then sat out the rest of the afternoon. Thomas saved a point in the afternoon match with a strong back nine.
Thomas and Spieth had to contend with Rahm and Garcia who claimed the lead with a birdie at Par-3 Seventh and never trailed by more than two holes. They won with a 3 and 1 victory.
Garcia stated, "It felt great." "I knew who I had by my side. He was the best. He was incredible. He made every putt that he needed to. Jordan and Justin played well, and we had to play really well to beat them."
Rahm-Garcia made six birdies in alternate shot format, while Smith and Thomas managed only three. For much of the day, they were the only bright spot for Europeans. Rahm was part in a match win with Garcia, and a tie match with Hatton. Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland were also on the board for Europe.
Johnson and Collin Morikawa beat Casey and Hovland in the morning matches 3 and 2. Brooks Koepka, Daniel Berger and Lee Westwood defeated Matt Fitzpatrick and Matt Fitzpatrick 2, respectively
