The UK and Ireland followed the US by a point at the end of the first day of the Walker Cup.
GB&I scored morning foursome 3-1 at Cypress Points in California, but was beaten 5½-2½ on the afternoon single, leaving the overall score at 6½-5½.
Visitors got off to a strong start for the 50th edition of the Walker Cup. This was a Ryder Cup-style contest between the UK, Ireland and the US major amateurs, claiming victory in the first three Foursome (alternative shot) matches.
Conor Graham and Tyler Weaver, Charlie Forster and Luke Poulter and Elliot Baker and Stuart Grehan were paired up before teammates Cameron Adam and Dominic Clemons were beaten.
However, the US fought back in singles as they won five of their eight matches, including Ryder Cup legend Ian and 3 & 2 son Mason Howell Beat Poulter.
“The standards for golf were exceptional,” said GB&I captain Dean Robertson.
“() The Americans played great in the afternoon. The sportsmanship there was exemplary. The weather was incredible.
“It was a great day – we just didn’t get enough of some putts and things went the other way.
“If we drilled a few more holes, things could be a little different. But (I) am extremely proud of the way the team played.”
Sunday’s second and final days include four foursome matches before players face off in 10 single matches. The US needs 13 points to hold the trophy, but GB&I needs 13½ to get it back.
GB&I has not won the Walker Cup since 2015, but their final victory came 24 years ago.
