Clarke makes perfect start

The United States today drew first blood in the Ryder Cup at the K Club as Darren Clarke got off to a flying start after a rapturous welcome.

In the opening match, playing in the opening fourballs with Jim Furyk against Colin Montgomerie and Padraig Harrington, Tiger Woods dragged his opening drive into the lake to the left of the fairway, some 40 yards off the ideal line.