American captain Tom Lehman apologised to Ryder Cup fans today after leaving them staring at an empty tee.

Boos rang out when members of the United States team ignored the spectators waiting around the start of the K Club course and started their nine holes of practice from further down the fairway.

It was something Lehman decided upon in a "pow-pow" on the driving range because of the wet and windy conditions, but he said afterwards: "I apologise - that was my mistake."

The Americans opted not to go to any of the tees on the outward half, instead playing to the greens only.

"It's a fun thing to do when the weather is bad," added Lehman. "We just had a bit of a game from 150 yards in."