The dust has just settled on yet another dramatic Ryder Cup encounter between Europe and the United States, with the hosts at Celtic Manor edging home by just a single point.
Amazingly no player failed to contribute to their side’s tallies, as European won out 14.5-13.5 to regain the trophy in South Wales.
Much will be made of the influence of European captain Colin Montgomerie, but a number of his star players also deserve their share of the credit.
England’s Ian Poulter was the sparkling heart of the European efforts, hitting back after losing his opening foursome with Ross Fisher to Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods to win his next three games, including a 5 and 4 drubbing of Matt Kuchar in the singles.
His record across three Ryder Cup appearances now reads played 11 won eight, making Poulter one of the heroes of the hour.
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The much more understated Luke Donald was just as important to Europe’s success, also contributing three points and more than justifying his captain’s pick from Montgomerie, especially as he held on to edge out Jim Furyk for a crucial singles win.
Donald also holds a flawless record in foursomes, winning six matches out of six in three Ryder Cup appearances, including, alongside Lee Westwood, a 6 and 5 demolition of Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods at Celtic Manor
Westwood proved to be a superb leader for Europe until the final day when he came unstuck against Stricker, while Martin Kaymer matched the Englishman in contributing 2.5 points, despite not being at his best.
Irish pair Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy earned two points apiece, with Ross Fisher doing likewise, while veteran Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez matched that tally, securing a crucial singles win over Bubba Watson.
Swede Peter Hanson struggled in his rookie Ryder Cup but still won a point for his side, while the Italian Molinari brothers, Francesco and Edoardo, seemed ill at ease.
However, the brothers did secure what turned out to be a crucial half against Stewart Cink and Kuchar in the second session of fourballs, making a birdie at the last to deny the Americans a victory.
That just leaves the man who had the honour of sealing the glory, Graeme McDowell, who held off Hunter Mahan in the final tie of the match to start the celebrations.
The Northern Irishman, the reigning US Open champion, gained just a half-a-point from his opening two matches, before helping McIlroy secure a 3 and 1 foursomes win over Dustin Johnson and the unfortunate Mahan.
McDowell then wrote his name into Ryder Cup folklore by beating Mahan again, holding his nerve as Europe’s hopes of victory rested solely on his broad Irish shoulders.
