Ryder Cup: Report card on Team Europe
Thomas Bjorn
P3 W0 H1 L2
Started well alongside Kaymer in the opening fourballs but they could only half and were not impressive on Saturday in losing their game. Well beaten by Kuchar in the singles, which is likely to be the last act of his Ryder Cup career.
Grade: D-
Jamie Donaldson
P4 W3 H0 L1
Europe’s hero. Who would have thought that the 37-year-old from Pontypridd would be the man who earned the decisive point? Who thought he would post three points out of four? Who expected him to thrash Bradley in the singles? A remarkable performance.
Grade: A+
Victor Dubuisson
P3 W2 H1 L0
Brilliant alongside McDowell in the foursomes and was going along quietly in the final singles – just in case Europe needed him. Enigmatic, unknowable and talented. McDowell thinks the world of him – and so does European golf after this performance.
Grade: A
Stephen Gallacher
P2 W0 H0 L2
Was not inspired on the first morning alongside an out-of-sorts Poulter. Unlucky not to get another outing on Saturday. Did nothing at all wrong in the singles against Mickelson – he only made one bogey and was comfortably under par.
Grade: C-
Sergio Garcia
P4 W2 H1 L1
Began slowly alongside McIlroy but like the World No 1 he got better the longer the week went on. Still a thorn in the side of the Americans at every Ryder Cup – even if Nick Faldo does not agree.
Grade: B
Martin Kaymer
P4 W1 H2 L1
Started well alongisde Thomas Bjorn but not at his best thereafter in the pairs. Superb in hammering a hapless Watson in the singles to end the week just about in credit.
Grade: B-
"Graeme McDowell was the official custodian of debutant Victor Dubuisson"
Graeme McDowell
P3 W3 H0 L0
Official custodian of debutant Victor Dubuisson and teamed up for two emphatic foursomes wins. His singles comeback in the top match was both impressive and hugely significant. Couldn’t have done more for his captain – he played his role to perfection.
Grade: A+
Rory McIlroy
P5 W2 H2 L1
Was poor by his own standards on Friday but moved through the gears over the weekend before trouncing Fowler in the singles with an imperious showing that included an eagle and eight birdies. Has now won each of his three Ryder Cup singles.
Grade: B+
Ian Poulter
P3 W0 H2 L1
A far cry from his Medinah form, but then it was always going to be a different kind of role for Poulter, coming in from a year ruined by injury. Even his legendary willpower couldn’t force the ball into the hole too often and he was not risked in the foursomes.
Grade: D+
Justin Rose
P5 W3 H2 L0
Half of the strongest pair at Gleneagles alongside Stenson, last year’s US Open champion seemed to hole more putts over the weekend than any other player. Behind for much of both his last two games but never gave up to secure vital halves in both. Top points-scorer.
Grade: A+
Henrik Stenson
P4 W3 H0 L1
Brilliant all week so what a shame he couldn’t finish off a memorable singles encounter against Reed, missing a short putt for the half. Still a European rock alongside Rose.
Grade: A-
Lee Westwood
P4 W2 H0 L2
A different role this time for Europe’s older statesman but one he relished. Alongside rookie Donaldson they won two points out of three and he was not needed in the singles.
Grade: B
Dan Murphy
Dan loves links golf, which doesn't mean he is very good at it. He is a four-handicapper at Alwoodley. A qualified journalist and senior editor with 25 years’ experience, he was the long-time editor of NCG. His passion is golf courses and he is the founding editor of NCG Top 100s course rankings. He loves nothing more than discovering and highlighting courses that are worthy of greater recognition.