Europe retain Ryder Cup: Donaldson’s victory confirms US defeat

Donaldson birdied to win the ninth, 11th and 12th holes for a 4-up lead over Bradley.

GLENEAGLES:

Europe’s finest golfers captured the Ryder Cup for the sixth time in seven tries on Sunday at Gleneagles, delivering a resounding defeat to an American squad that once dominated the rivalry.

Welshman Jamie Donaldson, a 38-year-old Ryder Cup rookie, dropped his approach at the 15th hole just inches from the hole to clinch a 4 and 3 victory over Keegan Bradley that gave Europe an unbeatable total of 14 1/2 points.



“I hit a really good tee shot down 15 and hit the wedge of my life to close the game out,” said Donaldson. “You can’t really put words to it. It’s unbelievable. It’s just an incredible week.” Europeans matched their longest win streak in the series with a third consecutive triumph while Tom Watson’s US squad failed in its bid for their first victory in Europe since Watson captained a 1993 triumph at The Belfry.

“Proud is the first word,” said European captain Paul McGinley. “It has been a huge team effort.”

Trailing 10-6 when Sunday’s 12 final singles matches began, the Americans needed the greatest rally ever on European soil to pull off a Stunner in Scotland.

Instead, Europe emerged with the trophy for the eighth time in 10 starts.

Early triumphs on Sunday by European talisman Rory McIlroy and 2010 Cup-clincher Graeme McDowell, both of Northern Ireland, plus reigning US Open champion Martin Kaymer of Germany lifted the hosts closer to their goal.

A halved match by England’s unbeaten Justin Rose, who won three and halved two this week to lead all point producers, put Europe a half-point from keeping the trophy.

Attention then turned to Donaldson, who had birdied to win the ninth, 11th and 12th holes for a 4-up lead over Bradley, who sank a short putt to halve 13 and extend the suspense before Donaldson halved 14 and 15 to seal America’s fate.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 29^th, 2014.

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