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Ryder Cup under way amid boisterous atmosphere at Gleneagles; Simpson mishits opening tee shot

Associated Press
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Europe fans watch from the stands on the 1st hole on the first day of the Ryder Cup golf tournament, at Gleneagles, Scotland, Friday, Sept. 26, 2014. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (The Associated Press)

Webb Simpson of the US plays off the 1st tee during the fourball match on the first day of the Ryder Cup golf tournament, at Gleneagles, Scotland, Friday, Sept. 26, 2014. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (The Associated Press)

The 40th Ryder Cup is under way after Webb Simpson mishit the first tee shot for the Americans in Friday's opening fourballs.

Amid raucous scenes at Gleneagles, Simpson hit a three-wood that traveled 190 yards, barely reaching the fairway.

Then Bubba Watson tried to rile up the crowd, cupping his hand to his ear and waving to encourage more noise from the heavily outnumbered U.S. fans. With cheers ringing out, he hit his drive into the rough.

The European pair of Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson hit the fairway with their drives.

It was a boisterous atmosphere amid soccer-style songs and chants from the crowd, including "10-6 — and you still can't win." That was a reference to the 2012 Ryder Cup in Medinah, where the U.S. blew a final day lead.