Presidents Cup: USA lead International team 4-1 on day one

Mickelson (left) has not won a tournament since the 2013 Open

The United States took a commanding 4-1 lead over the International team in the foursomes as they chase a sixth straight victory at the Presidents Cup.

World number one Jordan Spieth and five-time major winner Phil Mickelson were among those to star at the Jack Nicklaus club in Incheon, South Korea.

The tournament continues with five matches of fourballs on Friday.

"A tough day for us. Having said that, we are only five points into 30," said International team captain Nick Price.

"We've got a long way to go, and that's what I told my team - just to keep their chins up and do the best they can tomorrow."

Bubba Watson and JB Holmes made four straight birdies early in their match against Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama, and the Americans went on to win 3&2.

Their point boosted an American lead earned as Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker saw off Anirban Lahiri and Thongchai Jaidee 5&4.

Day and Bowditch could not halt the run of defeats for the International team

Spieth and Dustin Johnson defeated Danny Lee and Marc Leishman 4&3, while Mickelson and Zach Johnson saw off Jason Day and Steven Bowditch on the 17th.

The lone International victory came from Louis Oosthuizen and Branden Grace of South Africa, who beat Matt Kuchar and Patrick Reed 3&2.

Mickelson, 45, has played in all 10 previous editions of the Presidents Cup and the last 10 Ryder Cups but at 30th in the qualifying list required a captain's pick from Jay Haas.

"I was just real proud of him. I told him so," said Haas.

"He's dealt with pressure before, obviously, in many situations. Being a pick this time probably added to it a little bit. I'm happy the way he responded."