USA storm through to claim back cup

RYDER CUP: Early promise fades as hosts hand Europeans a 17-11 defeat

The USA reclaimed the Ryder Cup for the first time since 2008 as Darren Clarke’s European team couldn’t recapture the spirit of Medinah in the Sunday singles at Hazeltine.

Needing to make up a three-point gap after two days of team play, the Europeans briefly hinted at a challenge to win an unprecedented fourth successive win when they were up in six matches and the USA up in only one early on.

But US hero Patrick Reed’s defeat of Europe’s talisman Rory McIlroy in the top game of the singles order on the 18th green came as the tide was already turning against Clarke and his men.

Despite outstanding wins by Henrik Stenson, rookies Thomas Pieters and Rafa Cabrera Bello and an absolutely heroic half by Sergio Garcia in a memorable 19-birdie contest with Phil Mickelson, the US coasted to 17-11 victory for Davis Love III in the end.

They putted just a little better than us, and that was the difference. DARREN CLARKE

Key points were delivered for the US by Rickie Fowler, Brandt Snedeker and Brooks Koepka, but the man to get the winning point was their final pick Ryan Moore.

The last wildcard chosen just a week ago ended a horrible weekend for Europe’s veteran Lee Westwood by coming from two down to beat the Englishman and take the US over the 14½ points needed to take the cup.

Westwood, European captain Darren Clarke’s closest friend, was set to pass Nick Faldo European points record if he could win two on the weekend, but instead he lost all three games he played.

US skipper Love said that he was proud of his team’s effort, particularly considering the pressure they had put on themselves. He said: “Everything that’s happened in the last two years has put pressure on the players as they were picked for this team, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.

“The Europeans played unbelievable golf; I think Rory McIlroy played the best month of golf I’ve ever seen.”

Clarke believed that the fine margins were on the greens.

“They putted just a little better than us, and that was the difference,” he said.

“We knew we had a mountain to climb after losing the first session 4-0, but the guys put up a massive fight and there was a lot of blue on that board early on today.

“But the American guys showed their class in the end and the bottom line is the better team won.”

Picture: Getty. Phil Mickelson celebrates on the balcony after playing his part in bringing the trophy back into US hands.

Captain Darren Clarke.

USA captain Davis Love is interviewed after leading his team to victory.