After falling behind 3-1 during the morning four-ball session, Europe claimed five of eight singles matches in the afternoon to surge to a 7-5 lead after the first day of the Palmer Cup by Monster. The annual Ryder Cup-style competition is being played at the distinguished Cassique at The Kiawah Island Club.

The European team charged into the lead in the afternoon singles matches, winning five singles matches and halving two others. Wilhelm Schauman of Europe won his match over Adam Rubinson of USA, 7 and 6, after posting six birdies through 12 holes. Other afternoon scores were Gonzolo Fdez.-Castano, Europe, defeated Bill Haas, USA, 3 and 2; Oliver Wilson, Europe, defeated Chris Nallen, USA, 2 and 1; Alejandro Canizares, Europe, defeated, Dustin Bray, USA, 1-up; Brandt Snedeker, USA, defeated Davis Ingles, Europe, 2 and 1; Peter Tomasulo, USA, halves David Skinns, Europe; David Price, Europe, defeated Jason Hartwick, USA, 3 and 1; and Ryan Moore, USA, halves Par Nilsson, Europe.

The United States grabbed a 3-1 over Europe after the four-ball morning matches. Carolina's Dustin Bray, an All-America and All-ACC performer, teamed with Brandt Snedeker of Vanderbilt to defeat Gonzolo Fdez.-Cantano and David Ingles, Europe, 2 and 1. Bray carded eight birdies during the round. In the other first-round, four-ball matches, Bill Haas (Wake Forest) and Chris Nallen, USA, defeated Alejandro Canizares and Oliver Wilson, Europe, 4 and 3; David Price and David Skinns, Europe, defeated Adam Rubinson and Peter Tomasulo, USA, 1-up; and Jason Hartwick and Ryan Moore, USA, defeated Par Nilsson and Wilhelm Schauman, Europe, 1-up.

The U.S. team leads the Palmer Cup Series, 4-1-1, and has won all three matches played in the United States. Golf fans can follow Palmer Cup results live by logging onto www.collegiategolf.com. Play continues through Friday.