MEDINAH, Ill. (AP) — Rookie Brandt Snedeker has given the Americans an early lead at the Ryder Cup.
After world No. 1 Rory McIlroy missed a short putt for par on the par-3 No. 2, Snedeker made one from a similar distance to put the U.S. 1-up. The next foursome, Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley vs. Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia, were all square through the first hole.
Play was backed up early on the alternate-shot matches after McIlroy's tee shot on No. 2 landed a few inches in front of a sprinkler head. Graeme McDowell asked for relief, and it was about 10 minutes before referees ruled against him. McDowell made a nice chip, leaving McIlroy a chance to save par. But the putt didn't break and it rolled past the hole.

