CHASKA, Minn. -- When grading Day 1 of the Ryder Cup, which the U.S. leads 5-3, I tried to look at matches in two ways. First, did the player's team win the match? Second, did he win holes or did his opponent lose them? Birdies and eagles win holes; bogeys or double-bogeys lose holes. There's a big difference between the two when I grade a player's performance.
(Find Team Europe's Day 1 grades here)
Grade: C
2016 Record: Foursomes 1-0-0; Four-Ball 0-0-0; Overall: 1-0-0
Note: Captain's pick
Even without the same outward fire and energy as Keegan Bradley had, Fowler and Phil Mickelson made for a winning foursomes combination. It wasn't pretty, but there are no stats for pretty.
Grade: C
2016 Record: Foursomes 0-0-0; Four-Ball 0-1-0; Overall: 0-1-0
Note: Captain's pick
Although his four-ball pairing with Ryan Moore got beat (as opposed to losing), I expect more birdies with Holmes' length off the tee. One just doesn't get it done.
Grade: B-
2016 Record: Foursomes 1-0-0; Four-Ball 0-1-0; Overall: 1-1-0
Nothing spectacular in the morning foursomes session, but it wasn't needed. In the afternoon, five birdies in a losing effort is commendable, but it still was a loss.
Grade: B+
2016 Record: Foursomes 1-0-0; Four-Ball 0-0-0; Overall: 1-0-0
The ultimate grinder for Generation X matched up perfectly with Jimmy Walker in foursomes, even after a shaky first two holes.
Grade: B+
2016 Record: Foursomes 0-0-0; Four-Ball 1-0-0; Overall: 1-0-0
The bomber looked like he believed he belonged and was out to prove it. Expect him in both sessions Saturday.
Grade: C
2016 Record: Foursomes 1-0-0; Four-Ball 0-1-0; Overall: 1-1-0
Note: Captain's pick
Morning opponents Thomas Pieters and Lee Westwood lost to Kuchar and Dustin Johnson. Only one birdie in the afternoon loss was somewhat disappointing.
Grade: C
2016 Record: Foursomes 1-0-0; Four-Ball 0-0-0; Overall: 1-0-0
I was a little surprised that captain Davis Love III agreed to let Mickelson play foursomes, as wild as he is off the tee. But it worked out ... this time.
Grade: B-
2016 Record: Foursomes 0-0-0; Four-Ball 0-1-0; Overall: 0-1-0
Note: Captain's pick
Admirable attempt at a comeback with partner J.B. Holmes, even if it fell short. Good to see that putter has stayed as hot as it was in Atlanta last week.
Grade: B
2016 Record: Foursomes 1-0-0; Four-Ball 0-1-0; Overall: 1-1-0
Very solid play early with Jordan Spieth; afternoon session could have been cleaner.
Grade: B+
2016 Record: Foursomes 0-0-0; Four-Ball 1-0-0; Overall: 1-0-0
The putter he's known for finally awoke. He played the part of the veteran perfectly alongside rookie partner Brooks Koepka.
Grade: B
2016 Record: Foursomes 1-0-0; Four-Ball 0-1-0; Overall: 1-1-0
Great stuff in the morning, but the adrenaline crash was obvious in the afternoon.
Grade: B+
2016 Record: Foursomes 1-0-0; Four-Ball 0-0-0; Overall: 1-0-0
After going bogey-bogey, the ship was settled from the third hole through the 11th. Then it was pedal to the metal to win on the 16th.