GOLF: In every elite sportsman, there is a sadistic gene that demands expression; for golfers, it is called the Ryder Cup. Yesterday, in this most punishing golfing environment where there is no place to hide, but which delivers the ultimate pleasure, the elite golfers of Europe and the United States traded shot with shot in exhilarating fashion in the 36th edition of this historic event.

And, when everyone had time to draw breath and the first act of this three-part drama had concluded in the gathering gloom at The K Club, it was Ian Woosnam's team who had stolen an edge, who had taken one small but significant step on the journey to an unprecedented third successive win in the competition.

On a day when those fortunate enough to have procured tickets by stealth or luck or ingenuity turned muddy walkways into a field of dreams, a day when Darren Clarke showed inner fortitude and a magic touch with a golf club to cause a shiver to run down the backs of even the most cynical of observers, a day when Sergio Garcia reaffirmed his capacity to deliver and inspire in equal measure, Europe rode an emotional roller-coaster to secure a 5-3 lead.

For those stretched on tiptoes on the banks and mounds, or seated in one of the grandstands that have sprouted up on the Palmer Course, this was truly a day to remember and to cherish.

Woosnam threw all 12 players on his team into the fray at one stage or another, hardly believing that all of them would contribute in one way or another to the scoreline.

They did, albeit some more spectacularly than others.

In contrast, US captain Tom Lehman left two of his team, Scott Verplank and Vaughn Taylor, acting as members of the support cast.

The course proved to be a major examination, despite the decision to implement preferred lies (of lift, clean and place on the fairways), with holes as likely to be won with pars as with birdies. It was a grand test, though, and one that had the galleries raising the decibel levels on this piece of Kildare real estate to a level never before experienced, even drowning out the sounds of the helicopters that populated the skies like a plague of locusts.

Sure we expected emotion. Clarke playing just six weeks after the death of his wife, Heather, being especially poignant.

"The reception I received on the first tee will live with me forever," he remarked. "I don't know if it begins the healing, or helps, or whatever . . . but I'm very proud to be part of this team and be here. Time is the only thing that can help me healing and I am doing the best that I can."

But the Ulsterman more than justified Woosnam's decision to give him a "wild card" selection, teaming-up with Lee Westwood to win his fourball match over Phil Mickelson and Chris DiMarco as Europe, for a fourth successive time, won the opening session of matches.

Of the eight matches played yesterday, no fewer than seven made it to the 18th hole, an indication of the "thin line", as US captain Tom Lehman put it, that exists in the competition. Unfortunately for Lehman, only one of his pairings - that of Woods and Furyk, in the opening fourball - managed to secure a victory. The difference?

"The European team definitely made more putts, (and) we had a couple of loose shots when we needed to have a couple of good shots," said Lehman. "It's a pretty fine line out there between zero points, half a point or one point. We didn't really get much going our way."

After day one of the match, it is definitely a case of one up to Woosnam. The Welshman was everywhere yesterday, urging on and inspiring his men. He even had time for humour. He was asked what sort of advice he had given his players. "I gave advice on one hole and Robert Karlsson ended up in the TV tower. I thought it would be better to keep my mouth shut after that," said Woosnam. In reality, his presence was inspiring, as he seemed to be omnipresent whenever someone enacted a worthy deed.

"I don't want to get in front of myself, I just want to carry on and take every day by itself. Everybody's in a good mood, but we know what the game of golf is like. It can change in one minute," added Woosnam.

Only one of Woosnam's pairings suffered a defeat yesterday, and no fewer than four of the eight matches were actually halved. All of which confirms just how close this tie remains, but at least Woosie has put all 12 member of his team into action.

Nobody needs to tell Woosnam that the middle two matches of this morning's fourballs - which have Phil Mickelson and Chris DiMarco facing Garcia and Jose Maria Olazabal and Woods and Furyk taking on Clarke and Westwood - are possibly pivotal matches. If his men can take something from either match, it will be a good morning's work.

Yesterday, though, was a good day for the Europeans; and a great day for The K Club and Irish golf with enthusiastic and respectful crowds. Can it get any better? The weekend will tell the tale.