U.S. on different planet at Ryder Cup

(CNN) -- Keegan Bradley was born in Jupiter -- and he produced golf from a different planet as the United States took a 5-3 lead in the 39th Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club.

The 26-year-old, who hails from Jupiter, Florida, made a dramatic Ryder Cup debut as the hosts took control of the contest.

Bradley, playing alongside Phil Mickelson, claimed two victories on the opening day as Davis Love III's team produced a breathtaking display in the afternoon session.

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After finishing the foursomes level at 2-2, the U.S. simply blew their opponents away with Bradley at the heart of the action.

Victories over Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia in the foursomes, was followed by an impressive win over Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell.

But Bradley was not the only American to shine as Bubba Watson, Webb Simpson and Jason Dufner all excelled in front of the home fans.

It was a good day for Europe's rookie as Belgium's Nicolas Colsaerts gained a victory on his first appearance with an incredible round of 10-under.

The 29-year-old, partnered by Lee Westwood, drove magnificently and holed a number of exquisite putts on the way to a nervy win over Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods.

But the U.S. will go into Day two in firm control following a stunning afternoon session.

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After the morning's session finished 2-2 for the first-time since 1997, it was the U.S. which dominated the afternoon's fourballs.

Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson raced to a 5&4 victory over Peter Hanson and Paul Lawrie with some ease.

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Masters champion Watson and U.S.Open winner Simpson, produced some breathtaking play to send the crowds into a frenzy.

The American duo, who won three of their four matches at last year's President's Cup, were in imperious form as they picked up 10 birdies in 14 holes.

The U.S. continued their hot-streak as Mickelson and 2011 Rookie of the Year Bradley claimed a 2&1 win over McIlroy and McDowell.

It was fitting result for Mickelson, 42, who became his country's most capped player after making his ninth Ryder Cup appearance.

The momentum was firmly behind the hosts with Matt Kuchar and Dustin Johnson cruising to a 3&2 win over Justin Rose and Martin Kaymer

But Colsaerts and Westwood held their nerve late on to ensure Europe did at least take a point with the rookie more than justifying his wildcard selection.

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Earlier, the U.S. claimed the first point of the day after Mickelson and Bradley inflicted a first ever Ryder Cup foursomes defeat on Donald and Garcia.

Donald, who had won his past six foursomes encounters, failed to sparkle in the city that he has called home for the past 15 years.

Garcia, who had record of eight wins and a half since making his debut in 1999, also struggled as the U.S. triumphed 4&3.

Europe drew level through the Northern Ireland pair of McDowell and McIlory after they defeated Jim Furyk and $10 million man Brandt Snedeker.

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McDowell and McIlroy had been three shots clear with six holes remaining only to squander their advantage in dramatic fashion.

But Snedeker's dreadful drive down the last allowed McDowell to calmly stroke home from five feet to win the match.

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Zach Johnson and Dufner overcame Westwood and Francesco Molinari 3&2 before Europe drew level once again.

Westwood, ranked number four in the world, struggled throughout the day and rarely looked like the man who had enjoyed such successes in previous tournaments.

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Instead, it was left to Ian Poulter, one of the stand out European stars at Celtic Manor two years ago, to bring his side level.

Playing alongside Rose, Poulter rolled home a crucial putt on the 16th to ensure a 2&1 win over Woods and Stricker.

That victory took Poulter's tally to nine wins in 12 games with two of his previous three defeats having come against Woods.