Graeme McDowell following Rory McIlroy into the Sunday Singles winner’s enclosure pulling off a remarkable victory over unbeaten rookie Jordan Spieth.

McDowell and the hero of the 2010 Ryder Cup was three down after just five holes but showed his enormous character in getting back to all square after 12 holes and then closing out the match 2 & 1.

In fact, McDowell began his run with a birdie at 10 to get back to 2 down and then went eagle, birdie, birdie, par and birdie on the 15th.

And when Germany’s Martin Kaymer closed out fellow double Major winning Bubba Watson it meant Europe was just one-and-a-half points of winning the 2014 Ryder Cup.

McDowell said:  ” I just got off to such a slow start. I really felt like I hadn’t had enough course time this week, hadn’t seen the ball go in the hole enough.

Martin Kaymer defeats fellow double Major winning Bubba Watson 4 & 2 to edge Europe within 1 1/2 points of victory.

“I got off to a slow start against a hell of a player. I dug in and he missed a putt on 8, on 7, to go 4-up, which was massive. Then we halved 8 and 9 on birdies. I just felt something inside me start to turn around. I was proud of myself coming down that back nine. Jordan made some mistakes; he’ll be disappointed. The captain put a big role on me this morning and I’m happy I could deliver.”

And when asked to describe the atmosphere out on the PGA Centenary course McDowell remarked:  “This is what we play for, this is what we practise for. It’s easy to forget that sometimes. You want it so bad that you get in your own way sometimes. You have to remind yourself that this is it. This is what it’s all about.

“We talked about it last night. If you are 3-down, just try and win the next hole. Get the crowd on your side. Doesn’t matter what you are doing out there, just try to extend the match, extend the match, extend the match, and thankfully that was enough at the end.”