Europe dash US hopes as they retain Ryder Cup
Welshman Jamie Donaldson clinches 4 and 3 victory over Keegan Bradley to deliver hosts an unbeatable total
Europe's finest golfers captured the Ryder Cup for the sixth time in seven tries on Sunday at Gleneagles, delivering a resounding defeat to an American squad that once dominated the rivalry.
Welshman Jamie Donaldson, a 38-year-old Ryder Cup rookie, dropped his approach at the 15th hole just inches from the hole to clinch a 4 and 3 victory over Keegan Bradley that gave Europe an unbeatable total of 14 and a half points.
"Hit a really good tee shot down 15 and hit the wedge of my life to close the game out," Donaldson said. "You can't really put words to it. It's unbelievable. It's just an incredible week."
The Europeans, whose final score was 16 and a half, matched their longest win streak in the golf series with a third consecutive triumph.
You can't really put words to it. It's unbelievable. It's just an incredible week
Tom Watson's US squad, with 11 and a half at the end of the day, failed in their bid for their first victory in Europe since he captained a 1993 triumph at The Belfry.
"Proud is the first word," Europe's captain Paul McGinley said. "It has been a huge team effort."