On this day in 2014: Europe retain Ryder Cup with Gleneagles victory
Team Europe pose with the Ryder Cup after their victory over the United States at Gleneagles in 2014 (Lynne Cameron/PA)
Europe outplayed the United States to retain the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles on this day in 2014.
Captain Paul McGinley’s side led 10-6 going into the final day and eventually ran out 16.5-11.5 winners on the Perthshire course.
Rookie Jamie Donaldson delivered the deciding point by beating former USPGA champion Keegan Bradley 4&3.
The 38-year-old Welshman, playing in the 10th match, sealed the win following a stunning approach to the 15th green and sparked scenes of euphoria among home fans.
Beaten USA captain Tom Watson (right) was criticised by senior player Phil Mickelson (left) after their 2014 Ryder Cup defeat to Europe at Gleneagles (David Davies/PA).
McGinley said: “I’m very proud of every one of these players. I couldn’t have asked for an ounce more from them.
“I’ve been involved in so many Ryder Cups and seen mistakes we’ve made.
“I’ve changed things a bit, bringing in the fifth vice-captain has been a factor in helping to prepare the guys, especially in the afternoon sessions, but we have had 12 players who have been awesome.”
The blue of Europe appeared early on the scoreboard as Rory McIlroy dominated his match with Rickie Fowler, eventually running out a clear 5&4 winner.
McIlroy’s fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell came back from three down to beat Jordan Spieth 2&1, and Martin Kaymer chipped in on 16 to defeat Bubba Watson 4&2.
Justin Rose then fought back from four down against Hunter Mahan to grab a half on the last and take Europe to the brink of victory.
Captain Paul McGinley is lifted on to the shoulders of Team Europe after their 2014 Ryder Cup victory at Gleneagles (Mike Egerton/PA).
Henrik Stenson, Stephen Gallacher and Thomas Bjorn suffered respective defeats to Patrick Reed, Phil Mickelson and Matt Kuchar.
But Donaldson was always in control of his match and kept his nerve to see Europe home.
After victory was sealed, Sergio Garcia beat Jim Furyk one up, Ian Poulter halved with Webb Simpson, Lee Westwood lost 3&2 to Jimmy Walker and Victor Dubuisson halved with Zach Johnson.
It was the Americans’ eighth defeat in 10 matches and the fall-out was dominated by Mickelson’s withering assessment of the 65-year-old Tom Watson’s captaincy.
Jamie Donaldson is congratulated by Rory McIlroy after sealing Europe’s victory over the United States at the 2014 Ryder Cup (Andrew Milligan/PA).