The England duo of Ian Poulter and Justin Rose anchored Europe to a first Foursomes draw on the opening day of the Ryder Cup since 1997.

Poulter and Rose were sent out by European Team captain, Jose Maria Olazabal to steady the European ship in the event of any rough passage in the earlier groups.

Justin Rose and Ian Poulter anchor Europe in the opening Foursomes match. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)

And after Europe lost the second and third matches, the pair did their job perfectly defeating the Americans Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker 2up on the 17th green.

It meant two points each for Europe and USA after the much-anticipated opening round of matches.

“That was an emotional roller-coaster,” said Poulter.

“We got up in the match and they came back but we dug in deep.  It was never going to be a pretty much at times, and it was always going to be tough as they do have the extra noise out there, and they’re tough to play against, but I had a rock right next to me and he was just magnificent,” said Poulter.

Rose said:  “It was an amazing match and you are never going to be sure how your emotions will be.  You know you will be excited but you just don’t know what it’s going to do to your insides.

“But Poults and I had a lot of faith in each other.  I felt great out there all day and when you can trust your partner it’s a massive thing.

“But when Poults made the putt at 16 to go one up with two to play that’s ‘squeaky bum time’ and then we played the 17th just as we wanted.”