The match began in fine weather after days of rain and high winds but rain was beginning to fall as the afternoon foursomes got underway.
European captain Ian Woosnam shuffled his afternoon pairings to ensure all 12 of his players got a taste of the action but his opposite number Tom Lehman left rookie Vaughn Taylor and wildcard pick Scott Verplank kicking their heels.
Reuters, Straffan, Ireland
The heavy rain which has fallen on the K Club course this week prompted Ryder Cup officials to bring in preferred lies for the opening day of the biennial team event yesterday.
The ruling was introduced for the morning fourballs after consultation with players and both captains and was maintained for the afternoon foursomes.
According to the rules on preferred lies, a ball may be lifted without penalty and cleaned. Having lifted the ball, he must place it on a spot within six inches of and not nearer the hole than where it originally lay.
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