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Monday, 29 September 2014 00:39 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Team Europe golfer Jamie Donaldson (2nd R) celebrates with teammates Rory McIlroy (L), Stephen Gallacher and Henrik Stenson (R), after winning his match against U.S. player Keegan Bradley, to retain the Ryder Cup for Europe on the 15th green during the 40th Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in Scotland 28 September, 2014 – REUTERS
GLENEAGLES, Scotland, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Rookie Jamie Donaldson struck the shot of a lifetime to secure a singles win over Keegan Bradley on Sunday and take Europe to victory over the United States in the Ryder Cup for the eighth time in 10 years.
The holders were assured of retaining the trophy when Donaldson moved four up with four to play but he then hit a stunning approach to within two feet on the 15th and Bradley, some distance away, duly conceded the putt, the match and the Ryder Cup.
“It’s unbelievable,” said the 38-year-old who won three points out of three over the weekend.
“You can’t put words to it. I put myself in the perfect position on the fairway and was able to come up with a great shot when I needed it.”
Victorious captain Paul McGinley, who sunk the putt that won the cup for Europe in 2002, said: “I want to say as captain it’s been a real honour to get these 12 players, they have all been Colossus, and all of them, the caddies, the backroom team, five vice captains, it’s been a huge team effort.”
It was a fitting finale for Europe, albeit with several other matches still live out on the course, as Sunday’s singles followed the same pattern as the rest of the weekend.
Starting the day 10-6 up, Europe needed four points to retain the trophy they won after coming back from the same score two years ago but it was mostly American red on the leaderboard after the early holes.
The hosts weathered the storm, however, and gradually turned things round, with Rory McIlroy leading the way.
The world number one, out in the third match, stamped his authority all over Rickie Fowler from the start and after four birdies and an eagle he was five up after six holes.
Having failed to spark over the previous two days, McIlroy looked every inch the player who has scooped two majors this season as he brought home Europe’s first point.
“I knew I needed to get off to a fast start and I knew what was expected of me as one of the leaders of the team,” said McIlroy.
“I was really up for it today, more than in the final rounds of the majors I won earlier this year and this is the icing on the cake.”
FANTASTIC COMEBACK
Minutes later, Graeme McDowell, who sunk the decisive putt four years ago, completed his fantastic comeback to beat rookie Jordan Spieth 2 & 1 having been three down after nine holes in the first match out.
Spieth had set off showing all the quality that had lit up his opening two days’ play but the mistakes began to creep into his game and McDowell took full advantage.
“I just got off to such a slow start,” said McDowell, who had played only two foursomes matches in the previous two days.
“But I dug in and I just felt something inside me start to turn around. I was proud of myself coming down that back nine. Jordan made some mistakes, he’ll be disappointed. The captain put a big role on me this morning and I’m happy I could deliver.”
American rookie Patrick Reed completed a wonderful weekend when he got his side’s first point on the board, quickly followed by Phil Mickelson and Matt Kuchar, but with blue all over the scoreboards, nobody thought it was going to be anything other than a home win.
Martin Kaymer, who had the honour of sinking the putt to complete the Miracle of Medinah two years ago, chipped in for an eagle to beat Bubba Watson 4 & 2.
