We fed off energy supplied by drenched crowd – McDowell

The home team forged ahead in the driving rain before play was suspended two hours after Dustin Johnson struck the first tee shot of the 38th Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.

As always, such an iconic occasion was a spine-tingling moment that forced the rookie American to drive his ball into the rough.

Johnson and Phil Mickelson may have subsequently cut the deficit on Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer to one hole as the momentum shifted back to the visitors following the rain delay, but McDowell still believes the crowd played a part yesterday morning.

"No matter how miserable the crowd might have been in that rain they lifted our spirits," said the US Open champion.

"We were able to feed off them and they gave us energy.

"It wasn't 'raining' as much as it was in the American dressing room when we came back in (for the suspension)."

Fortunes shifted in the early evening as McDowell and playing partner Rory McIlroy surrendered their advantage to Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar, with the American pair holing everything in the closing two hours.

Collectively, Europe seemed to thrive in the poorer weather, despite the problems those conditions threw up.

"It was really difficult; the fairways were under water and there was nowhere to drop the golf ball," said McDowell.

"The ball wasn't travelling very far but all credit to the groundstaff, the greens are in magnificent condition."

Kaymer was sampling the Ryder Cup experience for the first time and despite not being on top of his game, the US PGA champion said: "It was probably one of the best golf rounds I've ever played in.

"It was so much fun. Especially on the first tee, that little welcome present that we got from the crowd. I think I will never forget that moment in my career."

Ian Poulter, who together with Ross Fisher is all square against Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker, said of the atmosphere: "It was an awesome experience, I knew it was going to be.

"It's a totally amazing experience, one I'll remember for ever."

On the overall picture, Poulter, who sunk a 25-foot putt to win the 10th hole, said: "I think the board is just fine.

"That putt will make dinner taste nicer."