When Tiger Woods announced his decision to have season ending surgery, it was devastating news for the networks that televise golf, but it wasn't necessarily the worst news for the sport of golf.

While short term TV ratings would plummet, the best case scenario outlined by PGA commissioner Tim Finchem was that Tiger's absence would allow some young, new talent to jump onto the scene and get some much needed face time.

Anthony Kim is one of those golfers who took advantage of Woods' absence by winning a few middle tier tournaments, but on the big state it was only Padraig Harrington who dominated. Suffice it to say after Day 1 of the Ryder Cup, some young United States golfers are making a name for themselves and getting some much needed face time, namely the 23-year-old Kim.

Captain Paul Azinger showed tremendous confidence in Kim, pairing him with Phil Mickelson in the opening foursome matches this morning, and then again this afternoon in best ball. Kim nearly lost a point for the US in the morning round after failing to get a chip out of a greenside bunker, but showing the poise of someone in their 4th Ryder Cup, the rookie sunk a 5-foot putt to half the round.

That early split set, in combination with Justin Leonard and Hunter Mahan's big second match victory, set the tone for the US team and allowed everyone else to relax. Jim Furyk and Kenny Perry blew a 2UP with 3 to play lead, but stood up to the unbeatable Ryder Cup pairing of Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood.

The postive 3-1 start in the morning has led to a memorable afternoon at Valhalla Golf Club and the emergence of two more stars: Boo Weekley and J.B. Holmes.

There's been more boos directed at the US today, but that's been a good sign. Kim struck the ball even better this afternoon, firing fist pump after fist pump, and firing up Mickelson in the process. The team started the afternoon with a big win, but it's the final pairing that has everyone's attention.

As in Booooooooo! Weekley. This is why the Ryder Cup is awesome. Nowhere else, not even the TPC in Pheonix do you see golfer trying to get the crowd fired up and actually asking for more noise from them. Holmes has been no slouch himself, booming drive after drive off the tee and honestly playing an overall better game than his teammate.

Weekley, who'd rather be hunting, admits this is the most expensive outfit he's ever worn, is obviously a crowd favorite with his, shall we say, unique style.

It was fitting this final match was the only golf on the course for the final few holes, as each and every golfer struck beautiful shots, one after another, asking the crowd for more. On 17, each hit their approach shot within five feet.

Although both American 26-year-old's followed each other into the hazard on the 18th tee, and subsequently lost the hole settling for a tie, it was a great day for golf, and more specifically, a great day for American golf.

The US leads Europe 5 1/2 to 2 1/2 after day one, a result anyone would have accepted in advance. Better yet, the rookies on the US team are no longer rookies and will be fired up all weekend. Can't wait.