Sports

Steve Stricker assures Americans another solid start in the Presidents Cup

Associated Press
Published | Updated

United States' Matt Kuchar, left, and teammate Tiger Woods celebrate Kuchar's birdie on the first hole during a four-ball match against the International team at the Presidents Cup golf tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete) (The Associated Press)

United States team player Tiger Woods tees off on the third hole during the four-ball match at the Presidents Cup golf tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete) (The Associated Press)

The Americans survived a late rally Thursday and are off to another good start in the Presidents Cup.

Steve Stricker blasted out of a plugged lie in the bunker to 3 feet to save par as he and 20-year-old Jordan Spieth hung on for a 1-up win that gave the Americans a 3½-2½ lead.

It was the fourth straight time in the Presidents Cup that the Americans led after the opening session. The order was changed to start with fourballs, and not even that helped the International team. It lost a fourballs session for the first time in 10 years.

Tiger Woods and Matt Kuchar had an easy time in their new partnership. So did Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson. The Presidents Cup resumes Friday with six foursomes matches.