Former University of Kentucky golfer John Holmes turned in a stellar first day for Team USA at the 2005 Palmer Cup in Haven, Wisc. USA and Europe are tied at 6-6 after the first two rounds of play. Holmes was the only American to win both of his matches in the opening day of competition.

The first match of the day pitted Americans Holmes and Spencer Levin (New Mexico) against Europeans Rhys Davies (East Tennessee State) and Steve Tiley (Georgia State). The American duo jumped out to a three-hole lead after six holes played. They increased the lead to five after birdies on 11 and 12. Holmes’ huge drives led to an eagle on number 8 and another on #14, giving the Americans the victory with six holes and four to play.

Team USA earned its second point as Ryan Blaum and Roberto Castro defeated Alex Noren and Kalle Edberg by one hole. Europe?s Pablo Martin and Alejandro Canizares topped Michael Putnam and Jeff Overton by two holes with one to play, while Scott Jamieson and David Skinns defeated Matt Every and Matthew Rosenfeld three holes with two to play to even the score at 2-2 entering singles play.

Holmes jumped out to a three-hole lead after two bogeys as he faced off against Tiley. The European tied it up with three straight birdies, but Holmes took control with birdies on 12 and 15 as he went on to win by three holes with two to play.

Matt Every and Michael Putnam (5 and 4) also won their matches, while Noren, Edberg and Canizares earned points for Europe. Two matches were halved, which knotted the score after day one at 6-6.

The two-day event continues on Thursday, June 9, with the final two rounds of play.