Europe’s golfers win Ryder Cup

Enjoying a three-point lead overnight, Europe needed to win just five of the 12 singles to regain the trophy on the rain-delayed final day.

But a day that began in a grey blanket of rain and fog and ended in bright sunshine by mid-afternoon was never going to be an easy one for Colin Mongomerie’s men. And – true to form – it went down to the last match – with Graeme McDowell keeping his nerve to beat Hunter Mahan at the 17th.

Monty had sent out his talisman Lee Westwood in the top game in the hope of a winning start. But the American veteran Steve Stricker had other ideas, pulling off a surprise victory by 2&1.

And things were even worse for Westwood’s foursomes partner, German Martin Kaymer, who was battered 6&4 by Dustin Johnson.

Ian Poulter hit back with a 5&4 win against Matt Kuchar, Rory McIlroy scrambled a half against Stewart Cink and Luke Donald beat Jim Kuryk at the last to regain Europe’s three point lead.

“I have never felt as nervous in my life” Graeme McDowell

When Miguel Angel Jimenez beat Bubba Watson 4&3 it began to look as if it would be a formality, but Jeff Overton began the fightback for the Americans, beating Ross Fisher 3&2.

Tiger Woods was not going to let it slide, beating the Italian Francesco Molinari 4&3.

And – as Francesco’s brother, Edouardo, saw his lead over Rickie Fowler gradually whittled away – Phil Mickelson completed a routine 4&2 victory over Peter Hanson to pull it back to 13-12.

Zach Johnson completed a 3&2 win over Padraig Harrington to level things up and Fowler pulled off his fourth birdie in successive holes to win a superb half against Molinari.

Down to McDowell

So it was all down to Graeme McDowell – just one shot ahead of Hunter Mahan with three to play and all too well aware that a half would leave the Ryder Cup in American hands. Only a win was good enough.

The 16th was the key – a tricky, slippery 20-foot downhill putt for a birdie to win the hole – a left-right break and in it went to a huge ovation from the home crowd. When Mahan fluffed his chip into the 17th green, McDowell only had to keep his head to win – and keep it he did, giving Europe the narrowest possible victory 14 and a half to 13 and a half.

The 31-year-old Irishman admitted he was feeling the pressure over the final holes.

“I have never felt as nervous in my life,” he admitted.

“I was trying to do it for 11 team-mates, for all the fans, for the caddies, for Europe and for Monty – and we were all trying to win it for Seve (Ballesteros) too.

“It’s so much pressure and this is a special feeling – there’s nothing quite like it.”