The US have had got off to a strong start against the Europeans, winning the first session of the Ryder Cup for the first time in 17 years.

On day one Phil Mickelson earned as many points as his did in 2004 and 2006 combined. Together with rookie Anthony Kim, they came back from three down beating Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell two up in the afternoon best-ball matches and tying Harrington and Robert Karlsson in the morning foursomes. "I love playing with this guy right here," Mickelson said. "Anthony has got this youthfulness to him, and he has a lot of game and we had a lot of fun."

In other matches:

• Justin Leonard and Hunter Mahan won their second point of the day with a four and three dusting of Spaniards Sergio Garica and Miguel Angel Jimenez. Garcia, who arrived at Valhalla without a partner on his arm confirming the end to his relationship with Greg Norman’s daughter, went without a win on Friday and didn’t seem to be himself.

• Ian Poulter and Justin Rose recovered from a morning collapse to defeat Steve Stricker and an Ben Curtis, four and two for Europe's first win of the day.

• J.B. Holmes and Boo Weekley elicited huge roars in the anchor match, surviving a bad start to halve their match with Soren Hansen and Lee Westwood.