USA loses to Europe in Ryder Cup

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GLENEAGLES, Scotland – The world No. 1 got Europe started in the right direction Sunday in singles action at the Ryder Cup. Jamie Donaldson ended the team's journey to retention of the little golf trophy two hours later (retained since 2009).

Top-ranked Rory McIlroy and crew didn't allow the U.S. to dig itself out of a deep hole on the final day as Europe polished off a 16½-11½ victory for its sixth win in the last seven matches and eighth in the last 10.

Trailing 10-6, the U.S. needed to win 8½ points out of the possible 12 available in singles but after an early run of good play, it could only win four matches and earn 5½ points.

"The U.S. players responded early, but they just couldn't keep it going," U.S. captain Tom Watson said. "But the credit goes to Europe. They are stacked with great players. But we came here thinking we could win, knowing it would be a great challenge, but we fell short.

McIlroy was five under through his first six holes and routed Rickie Fowler, 5 and 4, while Donaldson, making his debut, provided the winning point when he knocked his approach on 15 to tap-in range and was conceded the winning birdie. He defeated Keegan Bradley, 4 and 3.

"Proud is the first word," McGinley said about his team. "I want to say as captain it's been a real honor to get these 12 players, they have all been Colossus, and all of them, the caddies, the backroom team, five vice captains, it's been a huge team effort."