Europe edges ahead in early Ryder Cup running

With Team USA seeking a first Ryder Cup win on foreign soil for 25 years, host Europe provided stiff early resistance.

Justin Rose (left) and Jon Rahm

Team Europe narrowly enjoyed the better of the early running at the Ryder Cup on Friday.

With the opening match through eight holes, the host was up 2.5 to 1.5 at Le Golf National.

FedEx Cup champion Justin Rose, playing alongside fiery rookie Jon Rahm, won the first hole of the day with a short birdie putt to move ahead against Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau.

Rahm's superb birdie on the eighth ensured Thomas Bjorn's side was two up in that clash.

Europe also had a provisional point on the board in the final match out, where Open winner Francesco Molinari combined with debutant Tommy Fleetwood to stifle the threat of 'Captain America' Patrick Reed and 14-time major winner Tiger Woods.

Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas moved two up through six against Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton, while Rory McIlroy and Thorbjorn Olesen were all square with Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler after seven.

The opening tee shot for all the players was set against the backdrop of a packed 6,900-seater grandstand, with Olesen the first to buckle and find the water.