Europe's youngsters pointed the way for Sam Torrance's troops when they won the Junior Ryder Cup Matches 9 ½ - 2 ½ at the magnificent K Club near Dublin.
After two days of keen competition in sunny if chilly weather, Europe bucked the trend by becoming the first home side to come out on top in the fourth playing of the biennial event. They now lead the series 3-1.
Going into the second day three points adrift, the United States juniors needed a fast start in the mixed fourballs if they were to turn the tables. And they seemed to be on track when they led in four matches approaching the turn.
But Europe turned things around on the back nine, none more so that the pairing of Carmen Alonso from Spain and Frenchman Tony Raillard.
One down at the turn to Jenny Suh and Taylor Hall that quickly became two when Hall birdied the tenth. However, the European pair then reeled off three successive birdies, Alonso holing a 60 foot bunker shot at the 11th and a 15 foot putt on the 12th hole.
Raillard then got down in four at the long 13th, while Alonso picked up another birdie at the 15th to put her side ahead for the first time. They held this slender lead to the end to win by one hole, coming home in 32.
Two other matches went to the final green with Europe winning each, while in the bottom tussle, Germany's Denise Simon and Peter-Max Hamm closed out their match on the 17th green with a 2 and 1 victory.
Simon, 18, had made an explosive start with birdies at the three opening holes to put her team two up. It was a lead that, apart from a minor glitch, they held to the end.
Spain's Emma Cabrera also made a fast start with two opening birdies as she and Benjamin Regent from France completed a 6 and 5 triumph over Lauren Mielbrecht and Travis Esway.
America's lone second day success came in the top match where Mallory Code and Casey Wittenberg beat Katarina Wendinig from Austria and Farren Keenan of England 5 and 4, the Americans claiming three birdies in the 14 holes played.
European boys captain Charlie Westrup said: “This week has been fantastic for these kids, especially to be able to play the K Club which we know will stage The Ryder Cup Matches in 2006. It has been a superb experience for them all. From the European side, my team made a slow start today but we produced a lot of birdies on the back nine to win the matches.”
US Captain Tom Addis said: “The greatest thing that goes does is bringing these young people together to represent their country, their families and golf. I don’t think any of the 24 players will forget this week. Congratulations to both teams.”
Day Two Results
(Europe names first):
Katarina Werdinig & Farren Keenan lost to Mallory Code & Casey Wittenberg 5 and 4
Carmen Alonso & Tony Raillard bt Jenny Suh & Taylor Hall 1 hole
Dewi Claire Schreefel & Matteo del Podio bt Stephanie Connelly & Adam Porzak 1 hole
Emma Cabrera & Benjamin Regent bt Lauren Mielbrecht & Travis Esway 6 and 5
Claire Grignolo & Raphael de Sousa bt Jennifer Davis & Shaun Felchner 2 holes
Denise Simon & Peter-Max Hamm bt Tiffany Chudy & Colin Wilcox 2 and 1.
Day 2 Points: Europe 5, USA 1
Overall Points: Europe 9.5, USA 2.5
