MEDINAH, Ill. — So much for needing experience to play well at the Ryder Cup. U.S. captain Davis Love III sent out all four of his rookies during the opening day of the 39th Ryder Cup and came away with four out of a possible five points.
Keegan Bradley led the way, winning both of his matches paired with Phil Mickelson. But Jason Dufner also accounted for a point when he teamed with Zach Johnson in foursomes to beat Lee Westwood and Francesco Molinari, 3&2.
Webb Simpson, the U.S. Open champion, was called into action in the afternoon four-balls, teaming with Bubba Watson. The Americans spanked Paul Lawrie and Peter Hanson, 5&4.
Despite playing in his first Ryder Cup, Dufner was unflappable. Playing alternate shot, he and Zach Johnson went 1-up with a birdie on the 10th hole and were never caught.
“I’m really happy with how we played as a team,” Dufner said. “Both of us played pretty good. Both of us hit some shots in certain situations that were much needed at that moment in time. It was a good match and [I’m] happy to be on the end of making a point for the team.”
Simpson made five birdies, matching the five rolled by Watson, the Masters champion, who also sat out the morning session. They were 6-up after nine holes and cruised from there as Hanson struggled with his game and Lawrie’s three birdies on the final four holes came too late.
“We got off to a good start and we did what we do best,” Simpson said. “We had fun. Luckily the birdies kept rolling.”
Brandt Snedeker was the only rookie to lose. He teamed with veteran Jim Furyk in the opening match of foursomes. They battled from behind for much of the match, falling 3-down after 12 holes against Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell.
The Americans won three of the next four holes make it all-square. After halving the par-3 17th, Snedeker hit a poor shot off the 18th tee. The ball went ride right and settled deep into the trees. Furyk pitched out and tried to play for par, but when Snedeker left the third shot well below the hole, the best the U.S. could do was bogey. McDowell drained a short putt for par to win the match.
“I just put Jim in a terrible position,” Snedeker said. “I hate to do that to Jim, let alone my team. I look forward to the next chance to go and put a point on the board.”
george.willis@nypost.com