Europe already have a mountain to climb at the Ryder Cup as USA took a commanding 6-2 lead on Friday.
Padraig Harrington’s men won just one match all day and could’ve faced an even greater deficit if not for some late heroics from Tyrrell Hatton.
Playing alongside Jon Rahm, the Englishman carded a stunning birdie at the last to halve their four-ball match against Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler.
World No. 1 Rahm also had a hand in Europe’s solitary victory, downing Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas in the morning foursomes with fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia.
The other half-point came courtesy of Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland, who threw away a 3-up lead over Patrick Cantlay and Thomas in the afternoon.
It was a day to forget for Rory McIlroy, beaten twice in a day for the first time ever at the Ryder Cup, while Paul Casey also suffered two defeats.
The majority of the Europeans were outclassed by the strongest American team ever assembled, with an average world ranking below 8.
Just like at Hazletine in 2016, the hosts thrived in a raucous atmosphere and seized their biggest lead after day one of the tournament in 46 years.
Nobody will need reminding that, four years earlier, Europe were written off before completing the Miracle at Medinah.
There are still 20 points to play for, but for now, Europe trail by four.