Europe win third straight Ryder Cup

Eighth triumph for Europe team in the last 10 editions as US remain without a win on European soil since 1993.

Europe have won the Ryder Cup eight times in the last 10 years [REUTERS]

Rookie Jamie Donaldson struck the shot of a lifetime to secure a singles win over Keegan Bradley and take Europe to victory over the United States in the Ryder Cup for the eighth time in 10 editions.

It's unbelievable. You can't put words to it.

by Jamie Donaldson

The holders were assured of retaining the trophy when Donaldson moved four up with four to play but he then hit a stunning approach to within two feet on the 15th and Bradley, some distance away, duly conceded the putt, the match and the Ryder Cup.

“It’s unbelievable,” said the 38-year-old who won three points out of three over the weekend. “You can’t put words to it. I put myself in the perfect position on the fairway and was able to come up with a great shot when I needed it.”

‘Team effort’

Victorious captain Paul McGinley, who sunk the putt that won the cup for Europe in 2002, said: “I want to say as captain it’s been a real honour to get these 12 players, they have all been Colossus, and all of them, the caddies, the backroom team, five vice captains, it’s been a huge team effort.”

It was a fitting finale for Europe, albeit with several other matches still live out on the course, as Sunday’s singles followed the same pattern as the rest of the weekend.

Starting the day 10-6 up, Europe needed four points to retain the trophy they won after coming back from the same score two years ago but it was mostly American red on the leaderboard after the early holes.

The hosts weathered the storm, however, and gradually turned things round, with Rory McIlroy leading the way.

The world number one, out in the third match, stamped his authority all over Rickie Fowler from the start and after four birdies and an eagle he was five up after six holes.

Having failed to spark over the previous two days, McIlroy looked every inch the player who has scooped two majors this season as he brought home Europe’s first point.

American rookie Patrick Reed completed a wonderful weekend when he got his side’s first point on the board, quickly followed by Phil Mickelson and Matt Kuchar, but with blue all over the scoreboards, nobody thought it was going to be anything other than a home win.