Europe came into the final day of golf's premier team competition with a 10-6 lead, needing 14 points to retain the Ryder Cup. But captain Paul McGinley's men will have been mindful that the United States squandered precisely that lead in Medinah in 2012, as Europe captured the trophy.

But the first of the singles matches suggested that no miracles would be forthcoming at Gleneagles. World number one Rory McIlroy completely manhandled Ricky Fowler, winning 5&4. Martin Kaymer, the man who stroked in the winning putt in 2012, then chipped in on the 16th to beat Bubba Watson 4&2 and open up a commanding advantage for the Europeans.

"It was important for everyone to try to win his own match and not depend on the others," the German told reporters after the win was clinched.

American rookie Patrick Reed won the United States's first point of the day when he booked a victory over Henrik Stenson on the final hole. The Swede missed a short putt that would have halved the match.

'Proud' moment

But Graeme McDowell struck back with a nervy 2&1 win over Jordan Spieth. And 38-year-old journeyman Jamie Donaldson, playing in his first-ever Ryder Cup, gave Europe an unassailable advantage when he downed Keegan Bradley 4&3.

"Proud," McGinley said when asked how he felt after victory was sealed. "It's been a real honor to get these 12 players, they have all been a colossus, all of them."

It was Europe's eighth victory in the previous ten competitions. The Americans haven't won a Ryder Cup outside the US since 1993.

"You played your best but it wasn't good enough," US captain Tom Watson said, when asked what he had told his team. "You've got to find out what it takes to play a little bit better."

The final score, after the remaining singles matches were played out, was 16.5 to 11.5.