GEORGE, South Africa, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- The United States, which had a commanding lead early, trails the International Team, 3 ½-2 ½ after Day One of the Presidents Cup golf match in George, South Africa.
Three American duos had leads with two holes to play, only to lose each and squander a total of 2 1/2 points.
The toughest loss was by Jim Furyk and Justin Leonard, who led 12 consecutive holes before falling to Ernie Els and Adan Scott. Also, Jay Haas and Fred Funk let their lead slip away to the Australian duo of Robert Allenby and Stephen Leaney, giving the Internationals another half point.
In the marquee match up of the day, Tiger Woods and Charles Howell III carved out a 4 and 3 rout of Stuart Appleby of Australia and K.J. Choi of South Korea.
The United States is trying to win for the fourth time in five tries since the Presidents Cup debuted in 1994.
