ARDMORE, Pa. — Peter Uihlein rolled in an 18-foot par putt at the 18th hole and teamed with Nathan Smith for a come-from-behind 1-up victory, helping the U.S. to a 3-1 lead over Great Britain and Ireland after the opening alternate-shot matches at the Walker Cup.

Uihlein and Smith rallied from 2-down on the back nine to give the Americans the early edge in their quest for a third straight title on a cloudy Saturday at soggy Merion Golf Club.

Rickie Fowler and Bud Cauley combined for a 6-and-5 victory, and Brian Harman and Morgan Hoffmann added the other U.S. point with a 2-and-1 win.

Siggy Hodgson and Niall Kearney delivered GB&I's only point, a 3-and-1 win.

Later Saturday, the teams will pair off for eight singles matches, followed by four alternate-shot matches and 10 singles Sunday.