The hosts entered Monday on top with a three-point lead, but as the final singles match-up went to the 18th hole, there was absolutely nothing between the teams – the score 13-and-a-half to 13-and-a-half.

Cue Graeme McDowell. The Northern Irishman won an absolute belter against Hunter Mahan after the American had fluffed an earlier chip.

"Coming down the stretch there, I have never felt nerves like it in my life. I mean obviously I was out there trying to win it for me, for my 11 team-mates, for Colin [Montgomerie], for Europe, for all those fans out there. It was a different, different level to what Pebble Beach was. That's why this golf tournament is extremely special and will continue to be one of the greatest – probably the greatest – golf event on the planet," said the day’s hero McDowell.

Consequently, Europe took their fourth Ryder Cup triumph in their last five attempts.

"We must congratulate all 12 players on this stage here that have done a magnificent job in regaining this Ryder Cup. It is very difficult to regain – you need an extra half a point. It became very, very difficult to gain that extra half a point. It's made much easier when you only need 14. These matches are so close now, so close, and all credit to everybody here on this stage that has performed magnificently," said European team captain Colin Montgomerie.