THE Ryder Cup is back in European hands after one of the most dramatic days in the famous event’s history unfolded at the Celtic Manor.

Once again Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell proved to be the lord of the Manor, the Wales Open champion showing nerves of steel to beat Hunter Mahan in the final singles match 3&1 as Europe squeaked home with the narrowest of winning margins, 14.5-13.5.

This was real ‘cometh the hour cometh the man’ stuff, McDowell holing a wonderful, and career defining, putt on 16 to finally halt America’s fightback which had been picking up pace like a juggernaut.

McDowell held off the challenge of Mahan, the American typifying his side with some splendid play on the final day, the US team almost creating their own magic Monday as they managed to put a sea of red on to the scoreboard.

Steve Stricker set the tone for the US by beating Lee Westwood in match one, though Rory McIlroy holed a big putt for a half with Stewart Cink and Luke Donald was again in imperious form to beat Jim Furyk.

However, for every European success it felt like America were doing more. Dustin Johnson smashed Martin Kaymer, Jeff Overton was too good for Ross Fisher and Tiger Woods was simply superb, ten under par through 14 holes as Francesco Molinari was easily dispatched.

Only Ian Poulter, a 5&4 victory over Matt Kuchar and veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez (who beat Bubba Watson 4&3) seemed at the top of their games and with just one-and-a-half points required, the wheels started to fall off for Europe.

By the time Phil Mickelson and Zac Johnson had seen off Peter Hanson and Padraig Harrington respectively, it was Ricky Fowler’s time to shine, the 19-year old sinking a super putt on 18 to complete a superb fightback against Edoardo Molinari, the match finishing all square. And so, for the first time since Kiawah Island in 1991, the Ryder Cup would come down the final pair.

McDowell showed nerves of steel to hole what will be remembered as “that putt” on 16. Then Mahan’s duffed chip on 17 all but sealed the deal as the crucial point was won that took Europe over the line.

The closing moments were the most nerve-racking of his career, McDowell confirmed.

Make no mistake, the first ever Monday finish at the Ryder Cup will now be remembered for all the right reasons, fears over a lack of supporters proving unfounded with a whopping 35,000 packing into the Celtic Manor for magic Monty Monday.

The Ryder Cup legacy might not have gone exactly to plan, but it is unlikely that this particular Ryder Cup will ever be forgotten.

“It was fantastic,” legendary coach Butch Harmon said.

“A Hollywood scriptwriter could not have written a better script than this.

“There were some fantastic and miraculous things that happened out there. In the end the Europeans are the victors. My hat is off to Colin and his team. What a fantastic day of golf.”