Jamie Donaldson ‘Monarch Of The Glen’ Securing Europe Victory – Video Of Donaldson.

Welshman Jamie Donaldson is the ‘Monarch of the Glen’ in hitting what should be the ‘Shot of the Year’ and earn the point to deliver Europe victory in the 2014 Ryder Cup.

It was just a month ago when Donaldson traveled to Prague and then wrapping up his place in Paul McGinley’s team with victory in the Czech Masters.

And at exactly 4.32pm Donaldson wrote himself into Ryder Cup folklore.

After downing USA rival Keegan Bradley 5 & 4 the 38-year old Donaldson is the toast of Europe in playing a superb 9-iron second shot from 146-yards out to just 18 inches at the par four, 15th hole and with Bradley graciously conceding the putt and giving Europe success.

Those gathered down the right side of the 15th hole and around the green exploded with delight as did those lined along the sixth fairway of the adjoining Auchterarder Golf Club.

Donaldson was mobbed by his team mates before being embraced by his wife and parents and a delighted European Team captain.

“I can’t, really describe how I feel right now,” said Donaldson.

“I knew obviously I’m 4-up with four to play there, and hit a yardage and wedge shot of my life to close the game out. Can’t really put words to it. It’s unbelievable. Obviously I knew it was all getting tight there at the end, but it’s all getting tight at the end, and everybody was obviously building at my group.

“I was just trying to not spend too much time looking at the scoreboard and just concentrate on my match and that’s what I did, and was able to do it well enough to close it out.”

And with McGinley by his side, Donaldson singled out the Irishman for special praise.

“He’s been sensational. Paul captained one of the Seve Trophys I played in and I told everybody that he was going to be unbelievable here, and he’s certainly done a lot more than that,” he said.

“He’s been incredible. It’s been a hell of a week. (Embracing Captain McGinley).”

And McGinley responded:  “Proud is the first word. I want to say as captain it’s been a real honour to get these 12 players, they have all been Colossus, and all of them, the caddies, the backroom team, five vice captains, it’s been a huge team effort.

“The highlight, the pleasure when you look at a face like that (embracing Jamie).

Wild scenes as Jamie Donaldson secures victory for the 2014 European Ryder Cup team.

Wild scenes as Jamie Donaldson secures victory for the 2014 European Ryder Cup team.

“I followed Victor for the first few holes. He found it a little different experience; we prepared him for singles not having Graeme on his shoulder. I watched those guys at the end. But this guy has been well groomed in by Lee Westwood. If he learns half as much from Lee Westwood was Lee
Westwood knows, he’ll be one hell of a player.”

And McGinley spoke also of the strength of his backroom team.

“That was the big factor, there’s no  doubt. We had a fifth vice captain looking after those guys, and we really came out jumping in the afternoon and these guys really, really did it. They were fresh when they came out; Victor and Graeme were fresh. One session you (looking at Jamie) sat in the morning and he came out in the afternoon and I had played great. Wave after wave after wave, that’s what we talked about.

Welsh wonder Jamie Donaldson mobbed after  securing Europe victory in the Ryder Cup.

Welsh wonder Jamie Donaldson mobbed after securing Europe victory in the Ryder Cup.

“We had a plan. We had a real plan and we had a structure with three or four big ideas that we kept going back to and we kept feeding into and ultimately they proved to be right.

“So I stand here with a great sense of pride, as I say, this ugly face (embracing Jamie’s smiling face), how happy it is, and the pride that we give to everybody, and the happiness of people in the stands, that’s what you did. I’m giving it for everybody else, it’s not for me. Playing is something very, very special, and I said to the guys last night, as much as I’ve enjoyed captain, it’s different than playing. Enjoy it, be out there and enjoy it, because the days happen so quick and they go. It’s been a real great honour.”

 



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