Holders Europe revel in glory at Gleneagles

Ryder Cup rookie Jamie Donaldson was the man of the moment for the European side as the Welshman completed a 4&3 win over former US PGA champion Keegan Bradley to leave the USA - captained by multiple Major winner Tom Watson - without a win in the event since they claimed the trophy under Paul Azinger at Valhalla in 2008.

Paul McGinley's European side held a 10-6 overnight lead prior to the singles, but were forced to fend off a spirited start to the day by the visitors to ensure a third straight victory in the biennial competition.

The USA remain without a win in Europe since Tom Watson was last captain of his country at the Belfry in 1993.

"Proud is the first word," said McGinley as he embraced the smiling Donaldson.

"I want to say it's been a real honour to get these 12 players, they have all been a colossus, all of them, the caddies, the backroom team, five vice-captains, it's been a huge team effort."

"This ugly face," commented McGinley clasping Donaldson. "To see how happy it is, and the pride that we give to everybody and the happiness of the people in the stands...I'm giving it for everybody else, it's not for me.

"Playing is something very, very special and I said to the guys last night, as much as I've enjoyed captain, it's different than playing. Enjoy it, be out there and enjoy it, because the days happen so quick and they go. It's been a real great honour."

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson spoke with the European team prior to the singles, and must have been impressed with their powers of recovery.

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell was three down after eight holes to Jordan Spieth in the top match, but kept his composure to complete a 2&1 win.

World number one Rory McIlroy was at his imperious best in thumping Rickie Fowler 5&4 while Martin Kaymer chipped in from off the green to overcome Bubba Watson 4&2.

Henrik Stenson missed from three feet on the 18th in suffering defeat to a pumped up Patrick Reed on the final hole, but Hunter Mahan then ran up a six on the last as he saw Justin Rose recover from four down after six in earning half a point as their high quality joust ended all square.

Donaldson missed a putt to complete a 5&4 win over Bradley on the 14th hole, but he would not be denied on the 15th hole as he knocked his second shot on the par four 15th hole stone dead to ensure the celebrations began among the Europeans in Scotland, the traditional home of the game.

It was the shot of his life, but one that was made easier knowing that the half point needed to retain the trophy was already locked down.

Phil Mickelson produced some of his best golf in his 3&1 win over Steven Gallacher while Matt Kuchar downed Thomas Bjorn 4&3, but it was evident from some way out that Europe were not going to be denied.

Watson shook hands with Irishman McGinley on the way down the 15th hole moments after Donaldson's second shot stopped two foot from the flat aware that the game was well and truly up for his side.

There were still four matches to be decided as Donaldson celebrated with the final scoreline seemingly destined to be 16½-11½.

Sergio Garcia collected another point for Europe as he held off Jim Furyk one up while Ian Poulter earned a half point as his match with Webb Simpson wound up all square.

Jimmy Walker earned another point for the US side with a 3&2 success against Lee Westwood in a match that saw the American finish six under over 15 holes.

McIlroy was already trying to contain himself with a bottle of champagne when Zach Johnson holed from 18 feet on the 18th to earn a half against Victor Dubuisson in the bottom match, but Europe had won the singles for a second straight Ryder Cup, this time by 6½-5½.

When the inquest begins into this latest American defeat they will wonder how they won both sets of fourballs 5-3 only to suffered a humiliating 7-1 beating in the foursomes that left them with too much to do entering the final day's singles.

Tom Watson will also be questioned for his decision-making after dropping Mickelson from Saturday's play despite pleas from the five-times Major winner to appear with Bradley in Saturday's afternoon foursomes they would lose for the second time by 3.5 points.

It was a call that looked more ill-advised when 'Lefty' won his match against Gallacher at the 17th hole having reached seven under without registering a bogey on the day.

"The real difference was the foursomes," said Watson. "The combined scores for our team in foursomes were really, really high compared to theirs.

"We made them think about us early on in the singles and then they turned it on but the foursomes play is what separated the two teams."

Asked what he would tell his team, Watson replied: "You played your best but it wasn't good enough. You've got to find out what it takes to play a little bit better."

But unlike the crushing nature of their defeat at Medinah in Chicago two years ago when the States somehow squandered a 10-6 lead entering the final day's singles, this time they were well beaten by a strong European side playing with more gusto, focus and ulimately higher levels of golf.