As
Europe took an early three-point lead over the United States in the fourballs,
the 45-year-old German was thrilled with the support he and Colin Montgomerie
received on their way to a 4 & 3 victory over Scott Hoch and Jim Furyk.
"It
was unbelievable out there," Langer, a veteran of nine previous Ryder Cups,
told Sky Sports. "That was the best experience I've ever had in this or any
golf tournament."
European
skipper Sam Torrance said: "I couldn't ask for more from my guys. To win
the first three was outstanding.
"It's
so exciting -- the boys have been incredible. They're such fighters."
Thomas
Bjorn, another European winner with Darren Clarke over Tiger Woods and Paul Azinger,
was delighted there was no sign of the heckling that has marred previous Ryder
Cups.
"It
was fantastic out there," said the Dane. "They were fair to both sides
and that's what we wanted."
Only
when a camera flashed on Woods's backswing on the first hole, prompting a cry
of "Not when I'm swinging -- golly, Christ!," did the good humor of
any of the players falter.
Possibly
the happiest of the European team was England's Lee Westwood who has endured a
nightmare last 18 months to fall from the world's top 10 to his current 148th.
He paired up
with Spaniard Sergio Garcia, though, to earn Europe's first point with a 4 &
3 victory over David Duval and Davis Love.
"It's
a bit easier when you have got someone like Sergio Garcia to play with,"
he said.
