Ryder Cup 2012 Day 1: Bubba Watson, Webb Simpson Shine, Tiger Woods Improves As U.S. Leads, 5-3

By NANCY ARMOUR 09/28/12 07:27 PM ET EDT

MEDINAH, Ill. -- Slow start, fast finish, comfortable lead.

The Americans have a 5-3 lead over Europe after steamrolling through the second session of the Ryder Cup on Friday. Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson swept their matches, and Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson flirted with a record score in fourballs. Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar added a 3-and-2 victory over Justin Rose and Martin Kaymer.

Only Nicolas Colsaerts spoiled the Americans' fun. Europe's only rookie single-handedly kept his team from being swept, making an eagle and eight birdies as he and Lee Westwood beat Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker 1 up. Woods had a chance to earn a halve, but his 15-footer ran along the edge of the cup and kept on going.

Woods and Stricker fell 2-and-1 in foursomes, and have lost four straight in match play.

ESPN