Wale of a Ryder Cup: On rainy Welsh morning, US opens defense of Ryder Cup; Europe leads early

On a rainy morning, Europe takes early Ryder lead

NEWPORT, Wales — Europe has taken an early Ryder Cup lead over the shaky Americans on a windy, rainy morning in Wales.

Graeme McDowell made a two-putt par at the first hole Friday to give Europe a 1-up lead in the second best-ball match. Lee Westwood’s birdie at the par-5 second pushed the home team ahead in the opening match, as well.

McDowell is playing with Rory McIlroy against Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar. Westwood has teamed with Martin Kaymer against Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson of the U.S.

Mickelson was the only American in the first six groups to put his drive in the fairway — and he wound up flying the green with his second shot.

The other matches: Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker vs. Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher; and Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton vs. Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington.