Thanks to a flurry of birdie putts, the Yanks are heading into Sunday with a lead for the first time since 1995.

After a very 'up and down' second day when one moment it looked like America would extend their lead, then the next it seemed they may lose it all together, the US ended three points ahead of Europe.

It's a bumpy road at times, isn't it, to get to a victory," European captain Nick Faldo said. "So you come off the road a bit, and we're back on the road again now."

The European team was clearly shaken up, what with a benched Garcia for the morning's foursomes, but there were a few redeeming performances. Snappy dresser, Ian Poulter, who was a controversial pick for the European team, delivered three crucial points to help ensure that the Americans didn't extend their lead even further. England's Lee Westwood also provided a valuable contribution tying with Arnold Palmer by running his unbeaten streak in the Ryder Cup to 12 matches.

"The golf has been incredible," U.S. captain Paul Azinger said. "My stomach is just churning." And he'll be happy with his team's performance, in particular from Boo Weekley who toned down his celebration until after his great shots – and there were plenty. With a pinch of snuff jutting out of his lip and his arms flapping wildly, the entertaining Weekley knocked in a 50-foot birdie from just off the green on the 12th to give his team a lead it never relinquished.