European players celebrate as Ian Poulter makes a putt to win on the 18th hole during a four-ball match at the Ryder Cup PGA golf tournament Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, at the Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Ill. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
September 30, 2012 - 12:19 PM
MEDINAH, Ill. - Backed by the deafening roar of the crowd, Bubba Watson has led off the Ryder Cup for an American team carrying a 10-6 lead.
It was not an auspicious start, however, as he launched his tee shot into the gallery while Luke Donald was in the middle of the fairway.
The Americans need just 4 1/2 points to regain the Ryder Cup, which they've won only once in the last five events. The largest comeback was by the Americans at Brookline, from the same 10-6 deficit. But that was at home, and the Europeans will have to overcome a hostile crowd.
They feel they have the momentum, though, after snatching the last two matches Saturday. And captain Jose Maria Olazabal has front-loaded his starting lineup with his hottest players.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012