With cries of "USA, USA, USA" ringing around Hazeltine, the American team finally found their mojo over the three days of the Ryder Cup, with a brilliant overall performance culminating in the singles on Sunday. Davis Love III is now a winning captain, after the US eased past Europe 17-11 to regain the famous trophy.
Tipped as the favourites for the title before the start of the tournament, this was not a US team that wilted under the pressure or one that flattered to deceive, despite having so much talent at their disposal; this was a team that decided to make a statement from the Friday morning foursomes and never quite allowed Europe a way back in from there.
Leading by three points coming into the final day of the singles contests, the first match – between Patrick Reed and Rory McIlroy – set the tone for a wonderful day of golf. A contest, that went one way and then the other as both players made some outstanding shots, was finally decided on the 18th hole with the American coming up trumps.
"He's played incredible all week and we played a great front nine and I couldn't really keep the pace up for the rest of the round," McIlroy said after the match. "Fair play to Patrick. He was awesome all day and deserved the win.
"Overall this week, obviously the United States deserves the victory so congratulations to them.
"It's disappointing, obviously, but I think it's good for golf. It keeps The Ryder Cup interesting going into France in a couple of years' time. Not that we need any more incentive, but we're going to want to get it back on our home turf next time."
Ryan Moore, the rookie who only got called up a week ago by Love, was the man to give USA that decisive 14 and a half points, when he got the better of the disappointing Lee Westwood, who, most likely finished his Ryder Cup career, without a single point at Hazeltine. Moore beat Westwood one up on the 18th hole to help the Americans win back the Ryder Cup title and with it bring a bit of balance back into the tournament that Europe have utterly dominated in the recent past.
There were impressive performances from Thomas Pieters and Rafa Cabrera Bello throughout this Ryder Cup, while Henrik Stenson and Martin Kaymer also won in the singles on Sunday.
But, it was always going to be USA's day, with Rickie Fowler, Brandt Snedeker, who would get the crowd going at every opportunity, Dustin Johnson, Zach Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Moore all winning their singles matches to make sure there would not be a repeat of the "Miracle at Medinah."
It is over to Paris now in 2018, with Europe looking for redemption against a US side, who finally look like a team.
Ryder Cup results: USA beat Europe 17-11.
Singles matches scores: Patrick Reed (USA) beat Rory McIlroy (Europe) 1up.
Jordan Spieth (USA) lost to Henrik Stenson (Europe) 3&2.
JB Holmes (USA) lost to Thomas Pieters (Europe) 3&2.
Rickie Fowler (USA) beat Justin Rose (Europe) 1up.
Jimmy Walker (USA) lost to Rafa Cabrera Bello (Europe) 3&2.
Phil Mickelson (USA) halved Sergio Garcia (Europe).
Ryan Moore (USA) beat Lee Westwood (Europe) 1up.
Brandt Snedeker (USA) beat Andy Sullivan (Europe) 3&1.
Dustin Johnson (USA) beat Chris Wood (Europe) 1up.
Brooks Koepka (USA) beat Danny Willett (Europe) 5&4.
Matt Kuchar (USA) lost to Martin Kaymer (Europe) 1up.
Zach Johnson (USA) beat Matt Fitzpatrick (Europe) 4&3.
