The competition never really happened; and the results of the regular season – in which Europeans won three of the four Majors on the PGA tour, continued in the post-season.
Europe easily cruised by the United States 16-1/2 to 11-1/2 to win its third straight Ryder Cup, and eighth in 10 tries, at GlenEagles, Scotland on Sunday.
Ryder Cup rookie Jamie Donaldson sealed the deal with a beautiful 9-iron on No. 15 that came up just two feet short of the hole. When American counterpart Keegan Bradley saw how close the shot was, he took his cap off to concede the birdie, giving Donaldson and Europe the win.
It was a sweet farewell for Europe captain Paul McGinley, who announced the tournament would be his last. Europe won the crown by dominating the foursomes, winning seven of eight possible points, and halving the other two.
American stalwart Phil Mickelson voice considerable frustration for the US’ strategy throughout the three days.
“We had a great formula in 2008, and I don’t know why we strayed from it,” Mickelson said. He referred to captain Paul Azinger’s strategy of putting four players into one of three “pods” and keeping them together the whole weekend to build unity.
Sunday’s singles results:
Graeme McDowell def. Jordan Spieth, 2 & 1
Patrick Reed def. Henrik Stenson, 1 up
Justin Rose & Hunter Mahan, halved
Phil Mickelson def. Stephen Gallacher, 3 & 1
Martin Kaymer def. Bubba Watson, 4 & 2
Rory McIlroy def. Rickie Fowler, 5 & 4
Matt Kuchar def. Thomas Bjorn, 4 & 3
Sergio Garcia def. Jim Furyk, 1 up
Ian Poulter & Webb Simpson, halved
Jamie Donaldson def. Keegan Bradley, 4-3
Jimmy Walker def. Lee Westwood, 3 & 2
Victor Dubuisson & Zach Johnson, halved
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