Rookie Jamie Donaldson won the Ryder Cup for Europe this afternoon to cap a dream European debut for the Welshman.
Donaldson won his match 4&3 to take Europe to 14.5 points – a total that USA were mathematically unable to catch after a number of brilliant performances from Team Europe in today’s singles matches.
Paul McGinley’s men held a 10-6 lead going into the final day and the Northern Irish pair of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell got Europe off to the perfect start on the final day at Gleneagles.
McIlroy added another European point to the scoreline, beating Rickie Fowler 5&4 with some stunning golf. The world number one started birdie, eagle, birdie to put himself three up after three and Fowler was unable to mount a comeback as McIlroy continued his stunning form around the course.
Captain Paul McGinley’s plan to send out Graeme McDowell at the top of the order, didn’t seem to be working with McDowell trailing American rookie Jordan Spieth by three, however, the Northern Irishman produced a quite brilliant comeback to secure a 2&1 victory which gave Europe a 12-6 lead.
American youngster Patrick Reed then won America their first point of the day, beating Henrik Stenson at a dramatic 18th hole to bring the scores to 12-7.
Martin Kaymer added to Europe’s lead with a 4&2 win over Bubba Watson, however, America then started a revival with two of Tom Watson’s men collecting points.
First, Matt Kuchar defeated Thomas Bjorn 4&3 before Phil Mickelson completed a 3&1 win over home favourite Stephen Gallacher.
Justin Rose and Hunter Mahan then halved their match to put Europe within half a point of retaining the Ryder Cup and Donaldson put the icing on the great big European cake with a stunning approach shot to secure a 4&3 win to win the Ryder Cup for Paul McGinley’s team.
Even after Donaldson’s victory there was more action still out on the course, starting with Sergio Garcia adding another point for Europe as he defeated Jim Furyk, one up. Ian Poulter and Webb Simpson then halved their match to maintain Poulter’s unbeaten record in Ryder Cup singles.
In the penultimate match Jimmy Walker denied Lee Westwood his 24th Ryder Cup point as the American beat the Englishman 3&2 before Victor Dubuisson and Zach Johnson brought the curtain down on the 2014 Ryder Cup, halving their match on the 18th green.