Azinger cautious despite fine day

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The United States captain saw his team compile a 5 1/2-2 1/2 over three-time defending champions Europe at the end of the first day's play in Kentucky, the first time since 1995 at Oak Hill that the United States has led after the first day.

"Well, clearly we haven't led in a long time, so we're real happy about that," Azinger said after his side had won the closing fourball matches session 2 1/2-1 1/2.

"We also know how good Europe are, so we're just going to try to get a nice rest and go out and play well on Saturday.

"We're in a happy spot. I mean, it's better than it being the other way, that's for sure. But like I said, we're not even to the halfway point yet.

"My hope is these guys can go back and get some rest and play some ping-pong or go to bed, whatever. It's not a sprint; it's a marathon.

"We've been here since Monday practising, or Monday night, doing stuff, and it's a long week. We've got a long, long way to go, and we know how good they are."

Azinger paid tribute to the six debutants on his team, with captain's pick Hunter Mahan recording two victories alongside Justin Leonard and Anthony Kim winning 1 1/2 points in tandem with Phil Mickelson.

"I put a bunch of rookies out there, and they did real well. I'm real proud of them all.

"It could have gone either way. The guys, there were some nice comebacks today. They just played really well. Everybody kind of stayed on point, stayed in the present, and just kept going."