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The jitters even extended to Ivor Robson, the long-serving starter, who mistakenly introduced Bubba Watson when Webb Simpson came to the tee.
Simpson's anxious opening tee shot just about hit the fairway, but Justin Rose, in his Scottish-flag-style golf clothing , held his nerve with a fine drive.
Rose, partnered by Henrik Stenson, set himself up for a birdie attempt at the first opportunity, only for his putt to fall just inches shy.
Wild card Simpson had earlier failed to impress, but partner Bubba Watson looked more settled and secured the US its par four.
The quartet, cheered on by a partisan Gleneagles crowd on a chilly but sunny Friday morning, went forward to the second hole all square.
Thomas Bjorn, the Dane who many see as pivotal to Europe's defence of the cup, patted the late legend Seve Ballesteros' image as group two strode to the opening tee.
The vociferous audience chanted captain Paul McGinley's name and also taunted US fans over the way they managed to throw away a big advantage at the last tournament.
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