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Harris: As Ryder Cup Opens, Bradley & Mickelson Loose As Can Be

By Adam Harris

(CBS) MEDINAH  - Keegan Bradley is 26 years old and becoming a crowd favorite here at Medinah.

His big drives and young spirit, combined with his partner Phil Mickelson's experience and friendly smile have created quite a following here at the 39th Ryder Cup.

Also, they won their morning match, defeating Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald, both of whom have never lost a foursome, alternate shot match play at the Ryder Cup.

Bradley and Mickelson proved to be the loosest of the Americans, conversing with fans and celebrating by bumping chests and pounding fists emphatically on 15 after clinching victory.

They won 4 & 3 (four up, with three to go) and caught up to their teammates Jim Furyk and Brandt Snedeker on 18. The American pair made a furious comeback on Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell who were three up, but the Europeans eventually won.

The other news came in match four and from Tiger Woods who struggled from the very start. His first shot off the tee bounced off a tent and was wide left into the crowd.

Tiger continued to struggle off the tee, yet he and teammate Steve Stricker tried to stay with Europeans Ian Poulter and Justin Rose. The Americans eventually fell 2 & 1 (two down with one to go).

American captain Davis Love III decided to stay with Woods and Stricker in the afternoon. They will face Lee Westwood and Nicolas Colsaerts.

Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson won a match for the United States over Lee Westwood and Francesco Molinari in the morning as well.

The United States and Europeans are tied at two points a piece with the afternoon under way. Tied at two is considered a victory for the United States headed into the afternoon foursome, four-ball match.

All the participants that did not play in the morning, are out there in the afternoon matches for both teams.

You can follow Adam Harris on twitter @AHarris670 for Ryder Cup updates.

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