Europe grabbed a 5.5-2.5 lead over the United States after the completion of Friday's opening day of matches in the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

The Europeans seized a 3-0 lead for the first time on US soil on the way to a 3-1 lead after morning foursomes (alternate shot) matches.

In the afternoon four-ball (best ball) matches, which US President Donald Trump watched from the first tee, there was little US improvement.

In four-balls, Americans Justin Thomas and Cam Young routed Ludvig Aberg and Rasmus Hojgaard 6&5.

Europe's Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka beat top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and JJ Spaun 3&2.

Englishmen Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood edged Bryson DeChambeau and Ben Griffin 1-up.

Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay tied Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy. (AFP)