U.S. team player and captain Tiger Woods, left, and teammate Justin Thomas celebrate after Woods birdied the 5th hole during their fourball match at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in the opening rounds of the President's Cup golf tournament in Melbourne, Australia, today. (AP photo)

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Tiger Woods lightly pumped his fist with another birdie. He raised his hands over his head to applaud a brilliant play by Justin Thomas that led to another hole won. He thoroughly enjoyed his return to competition in the Presidents Cup.

His match won, Woods took the radio and inserted the ear piece as he resumed his role as U.S. captain.

And there was little else to cheer. Ernie Els and his inspired International team won the day, and won it big.

Els got solid performances from Adam Scott and Louis Oosthuizen and remarkable play from his rookies that led to a 4-1 lead after the opening session of fourballs Thursday.

It was the first time the International team won the opening session since 2005, which also was the last time it led after any session in an event the Americans have won 10 out of 12 times, including the last seven in a row.

U.S. team player and captain Tiger Woods plays from the rough on the 2nd hole during a fourball match at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in the opening rounds of the President's Cup golf tournament in Melbourne today. (AP photo)

Woods assembled the strongest U.S. team ever for the Presidents based on the world ranking. The first playing captain in 25 years, he inserted himself in the first match and made six birdies, the most of anyone at Royal Melbourne.

U.S. team player and captain Tiger Woods watches his approach shot on the 6th hole during a fourball match at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in the opening rounds of the President's Cup golf tournament in Melbourne today. (AP photo)