Americans wallop Europeans in first day of Concession Cup play

EAST MANATEE -- The bagpipe playing Thursday ushered in the second installment of the Concession Cup at the uber exclusive Concession Golf Club.

The Scottish tradition was the only semblance Great Britain and Ireland were present for the first day of the golf tournament against the United States.

Team USA waxed GB&I 8-1 in the foursome, or alternate shot, format. The foursome structure is usually a European or GB&I staple for success, but it was the opposite with the Americans winning eight of nine matches on the first day.

Scott Harvey and Mike McCoy set things in motion with a 5-and-3 victory, while Patrick Christovich and Tim Jackson followed with a 6-and-5 blowout win.

The lone Florida-based player on Team USA, Lutz's Joe Alfieri, teamed with Sammy Schmitz for a 4-and-2 victory over John Kemp and Martin Young.

The lone win for Great Britain and Ireland was Ben Westgate and Mike Hearne, who defeated Nathan Smith and Todd White 3-and-2.

Only one match went 18 holes with the United States routinely sealing the deal much earlier.

The action continues Friday with the fourball format, otherwise known as better ball.

The singles portion concludes the tournament with 18 matches Saturday.

Team USA needs just 10 more points for 18 points overall to retain the cup while GB&I needs 18 1/2 points to win it for the first time.

The Americans won by seven points in 2014, and are off to a hot start to defend the biennial cup.

Jason Dill, sports reporter, can be reached at 745-7017. Follow him on Twitter @Jason__Dill and like his Facebook page at Jason Dill Bradenton Herald.

This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Americans wallop Europeans in first day of Concession Cup play ."