Shane Lowry holed the decisive putt to retain the Ryder Cup for Europe before the team went on to win the tournament outright by a 15-13 margin after holding off a dramatic fightback from the United States at Bethpage Black.
The host side, trailing by seven points heading into Sunday’s singles session, roared back into contention with a series of tight wins but the holders just did enough to cling on.
Lowry delivered the crucial half-point in match number eight, taking Europe to 14 points by holing a putt on the 18th to tie against Russell Henley.
Tyrrell Hatton then added another half in match number 10 to ensure an outright victory.
Reflecting on his crucial intervention, Lowry said holing the putt that saw Europe retain the Ryder Cup was a better feeling than winning The Open on Irish soil in 2019.
The Offaly man had said that he lives for the Ryder Cup, so was happy to deliver such an important moment.
Lowry celebrates with his wife Wendy
“I’ve been so lucky to experience amazing things in this game,” he said before halves for Hatton and Robert MacIntyre earned the 15-13 victory.
“That was the hardest couple of hours of my whole life, honestly. I just can’t believe that putt went in.
“I said to (caddie) Darren (Reynolds) walking down 18, I said, ‘I have a chance to do the coolest thing in my life here’.
“The Ryder Cup means everything to me. Honestly, I’ve won the Open in Ireland; it’s amazing, it’s a dream come true.
“But the Ryder Cup for me is everything.
“To do that there today on the 18th green in front of everyone, it was so hard out there.”
Captain Luke Donald became the first man in history to play and captain home and away wins.
Lowry said: “He is the greatest captain I think that’s ever lived.
“He’s the most amazing man in the world. Honestly, he’s done the best job.”