Unlikely Pair of Bubba Watson, Jeff Overton Power US to Early Lead

Filed under: Ryder Cup

NEWPORT, Wales -- The combined Ryder Cup experience of Americans Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton added up to zero matches played. If that weren't enough to make them pucker upon arriving at Celtic Manor, American captain Corey Pavin turned to the first-timers to anchor his team's opening session, slotting them for the fourth and final group.

And, finally, they drew Europe's Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington, among the most decorated players on the home team.

Surprise.

On the United States' way to grabbing an early 2 1/2-1 1/2, the Americans' most lopsided victory of the opening session was produced by the Watson-Overton pairing.

Donald is ranked No. 8 in the world and came into the match with a 5-1-1 record in two previous Ryder Cup appearances. Harrington is a three-time major champion making his sixth Ryder Cup appearance.

Watson-Overton dusted the Euro pair 3 & 2.

Then they enjoyed a good laugh.

Did they express to Pavin a desire to be paired together?

"No," Watson said. "I don't even like him. Look at him, he's ugly.

"You know, all of us guys are good. We have got 12 guys on the team, 11 other ones besides me, so I would play with anybody. And his putter was hot this morning, and I love him as a partner."

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More: US Leads After Early Session | Ryder Cup Scores

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