Jamie Donaldson has won the point that keeps the Ryder Cup in Europe for another two years. The Welshman clinched the winning point for Paul McGinley’s side with a 5&3 win over Keegan Bradley.
There was no explosive, cinematic climax this time. This was settled over a handshake, the restrained dignity of a concession from Bradley following an excellent approach shot from Donaldson at the 15th.
It may have lacked the drama of two years ago, but the European team won’t care. This was home the United States should have played the final day at Medinah.
The fireworks of Medinah were replaced with the ruthlessness of Gleneagles, and none of the European team better personified that than Rory McIlroy. Four birdies and an eagle in the opening six holes gave the world number one a five-hole lead over Rickie Fowler. Trailing heavily going in to the day, hope for the Americans rested in intangibles. Rory McILroy’s start summarily dismissed any notions of oppressive expectation on the home team’s stars offering a fillip to the USA.
Graeme McDowell did his part for American optimism early on, falling four behind Jordan Speith at one point. However, a determined fight back from McDowell ensued and gave the Northern Irishman a 2&1 win.
Patrick Reed kept the American challenge alive – and the home crowd quiet, for a moment – with a 1up win over Henrik Stenson.
Phil Mickelson assumed the role of leader for the US, beating hometown favourite Stephen Gallacher 3&1.
Justin Rose and Ian Poulter both halved their matches, against Hunter Mahan and Webb Simpson respectively.
The final game, Victor Dubuisson versus Zach Johnson is still underway. The Frenchman leads 1up after 14 holes.
Ryder Cup, Gleneagles
EUROPE 16 - 11 USA (Day 3, Singles)
Graeme McDowell (EUR) Wins 2&1 v Jordan Spieth (USA) (F)
Henrik Stenson (EUR) v Patrick Reed 1up (USA) (F)
Rory McIlroy (EUR) Wins 5&4 v Rickie Fowler (USA) (F)
Justin Rose (EUR) A/S v Hunter Mahan (USA) (F)
Stephen Gallacher (EUR) v Phil Mickelson Wins 3&1 (USA) (F)
Martin Kaymer (EUR) Wins 4&2 v Bubba Watson (USA) (F)
Thomas Bjorn (EUR) v Matt Kuchar Wins 4&3 (USA) (F)
Sergio Garcia (EUR) 1up v Jim Furyk (USA) (F)
Ian Poulter (EUR) A/S v Webb Simpson (USA) (F)
Jamie Donaldson (EUR) Wins 4&3 v Keegan Bradley (USA) (F)
Lee Westwood (EUR) v Jimmy Walker 3&2 (USA) (F)
Victor Dubuisson (EUR) A/S v Zach Johnson (USA) (15)
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