Golf: Europe charge to emphatic victory

European Ryder Cup players Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia celebrate with the trophy this morning. Picture / Reuters

STRAFFAN, Ireland - Europe retained the Ryder Cup in emphatic style this morning (NZ time) with a dominating singles performance that won the trophy for the third successive time.

Swedish rookie Henrik Stenson had the honour of winning the point that guaranteed the win after English duo David Howell and Luke Donald had posted quick-fire wins to take Europe to an unassailable 14 points tally.

"I didn't know that was the one but I am delighted," Stenson told Sky Sports TV as his colleagues on the course continued to dominate even with the Cup secure.

After winning all four pairs sessions, Europe started the final day 10-6 up needing just four of the 12 available points to prevent the US taking the cup home for the first time since 1999.

Colin Montgomerie extended his remarkable unbeaten record in singles to eight matches -- six wins and two halves -- when he beat David Toms one up in the first match before Paul Casey defeated world number three Jim Furyk 2 and 1.

Although Stewart Cink and Tiger Woods notched early points for the Americans, the scoreboard was predominantly blue.

Howell, who sunk a series of long putts, then beat Brett Wetterich 5 and 4 and Donald beat Chad Campbell 2 and 1.

That left Stenson to beat Vaughn Taylor 4 and 3 to spark the celebrations.

There was time for more cheers - and many tears - when Darren Clarke then completed a 3 and 2 victory over Zach Johnson to cap an incredibly emotional week following the death of his wife from cancer last month.

"This is just as good as it gets, for the Europeans, and for the Irish it's just fantastic," said a tearful Clarke.

Asked of his memories of the week he said: "I've got too many to list. The team have been unbelievable as have the American team and their wives.

"It's been a difficult week but from the moment I decided to make myself available I wanted to make sure I was prepared."

European captain Ian Woosnam said: "Very emotional. I just can't say enough about my team - they've played absolutely fantastic.

Montgomerie drew first blood for Europe to maintain his remarkable eight-match unbeaten singles record in the biennial competition.

Montgomerie birdied the third and fourth, was pegged back at the fifth but regained his two-shot cushion with a birdie two at the 14th where he struck a three-iron to five feet.

Toms cut the deficit by sinking an 18-foot birdie putt at the 17th before the Scot got up and down from a bunker to claim Europe's first point of the day with his sixth singles triumph in eight Cup matches. The other two were halved.

"I had it in the bag and I'm getting used to these putts on the last green," a smiling Montgomerie told reporters.

"Woosie has done a great job and we've been fantastic."

Moments earlier, an inspired Cink put paid to Spaniard Sergio Garcia, who had won his four previous matches this week.

With his approach play in sparkling order, Cink birdied the first, second, fourth and fifth to take charge against an opponent who has won his four previous matches this week, winning 4 and 3.

Woods made himself the Americans' leading scorer when he beat Robert Karlsson 3 and 2.

Casey, boosted by four early birdies in match two, romped home 3 and 2 against Jim Furyk, who had not lost in his previous four singles encounters.

Winner of last week's World Match Play Championship, Casey sank a 10-footer at the first and a 15-footer at the third before tightening his grip on the match with further birdies at the fifth and seventh.

With the celebrations still ringing around the K Club the latter games continued with Europe looking on course for a record singles victory.

One bright spot for the Americans was a hole in one for Scott Verplank -- Casey claimed an ace on Saturday.

RESULTS

Europe (18 and a half) defeated US (9 and a half) - European names first:

Colin Montgomerie beat David Toms one up.

Sergio Garcia lost to Stewart Cink 4 and 3.

Paul Casey beat Jim Furyk 2 and 1.

Robert Karlsson lost to Tiger Woods 3 and 2.

Luke Donald beat Chad Campbell 2 and 1.

Paul McGinley halved with J.J. Henry.

Darren Clarke beat Zach Johnson 3 and 2.

Henrik Stenson beat Vaughn Taylor 4 and 3.

David Howell beat Brett Wetterich 5 and 4.

Jose Maria Olazabal beat Phil Mickelson 2 and 1.

Lee Westwood beat Chris DiMarco two up.

Padraig Harrington lost to Scott Verplank 4 and 3.

- REUTERS