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HAIL THE CHAMPIONS . . . This is the third time Europe have won the Ryder Cup three times in succession, their most amount of wins in a row. The United States hold the record, having won seven on the trot twice, but that was when they weren’t playing the whole of Europe

GLEANEAGLES. — Europe completed their mission in the singles to win the 40th Ryder Cup by beating the United States 16½-11½ at Gleneagles. Captain Paul McGinley’s side led 10-6 going into the final day and reached the 14½ needed to win the Cup outright when Welsh rookie Jamie Donaldson beat Keegan Bradley 4&3. Rory McIlroy struck first with a 5&4 win against Rickie Fowler before countryman Graeme McDowell came back from three down to beat Jordan Spieth 2&1.

Martin Kaymer chipped in on 16 to defeat Bubba Watson 4&2 and Justin Rose scrapped back from four down against Hunter Mahan to grab a half on the last and take Europe to within half a point of retaining the trophy.

The 38-year-old Donaldson, playing in the 10th match, sealed the win against Bradley on the 15th green to spark scenes of euphoria in the Perthshire hills.
Europe have now won eight of the last 10 Ryder Cups, while the US have not won an away match since 1993.

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.”

“I can’t say enough about our captain,” said McIlroy. “Paul McGinley has been immense. I’m so glad it’s worked out for him.” US captain Tom Watson was seeking redemption for Medinah two years ago when Europe came back from 10-6 down to win 14½-13½ on the final day, but the visitors were unable to create their own sensation in Scotland. Henrik Stenson earlier missed a short putt on the last that would have given him a half against Patrick Reed, while Stephen Gallacher lost 3&1 to Phil Mickelson and Thomas Bjorn went down 4&3 to Matt Kuchar. Europe lost Friday morning’s fourballs 2½-1½ but dominated the foursomes to lead 5-3 going into Saturday. McGinley’s side dominated Saturday afternoon’s foursomes 3½-½ – a 7-1 foursomes tally overall – to move to within four points of retaining the trophy. — BBC Sport.