Ryder Cup 2012: Session 1 - Brandt Snedeker and Jim Furyk Fall to Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell

In the opening match of the morning session (which featured alternating shot play), Snedeker and Furyk led briefly early before McIlroy and McDowell pulled ahead for a three hole lead after twelve. Three straight birdies from the Americans squared the game with two holes to play to make what looked like an easy win for the Europeans much more interesting.

The teams halved the seventeenth hole, before an errant tee shot from Snedeker forced the Americans to scramble just to tie. Alas, it was not to be, as Furyk's putt for par (and the tie) was a ball or two wide of the hole. McDowell sank his ten footer to seal the win for the Europeans.

In the other pairings of the morning, Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley defeated Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia four and three. Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson beat Lee Westwood and Francesco Molinari three and two. Finally, Ian Poulter and Justin Rose defeated Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods two and one.

Next up: Friday Afternoon Four-Ball (each player plays their own ball and the best score of the pair is taken on the hole).

The Pairings [ Europe vs. USA ]

Paul Lawrie & Peter Hanson vs. Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson

Rory McIlroy & Graeme McDowell vs. Phil Mickelson & Keegan Bradley

Lee Westwood & Nick Colsaerts vs. Tiger Woods & Steve Stricker

Justin Rose & Martin Kaymer vs. Dustin Johnson & Matt Kuchar

Sitting out for USA: Snedeker, Furyk, Johnson, Dufner

Sitting out for Europe: Donald, Garcia, Molinari, Poulter