Europe Regain the Ryder Cup

After four long days that was effected by the weather Europe finally regained the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor with a 14.5 - 13.5 win over USA.

Monty's men had to fight off an American come back on the final day but eventually held on. The whole thing came down to the very last match for the first time since 1991 at Kiawah Island and thankfully Europe had the right man at the right time.

US Open champion Graeme McDowell beat Hunter Mahan on the 17th to start jubilant scenes that Monty could have only dreamed of.

Full credit must go to Corey Pavin and his side for the way they battled back on the final day to come within a whisker of retaining the trophy.

Forget the weather and remember the golf. This is my take on the 2010 Ryder Cup.

Best Captain

With question Colin Montgomerie. I'm not just saying that because he is the winning captain as I would of probably picked him even if he ended up on the losing side. Right from the start he has been flawless. He said that he wanted to 'leave no stone unturned' and boy he didn't. The way he has spoke to the media especially over the last six months I believe has changed him. A much calmer and more approachable Monty we have seen. Wether that will last I'm not sure. He said it wasn't for personal gain being the captain. He wanted to do it for the European Tour and it's players. Supported by a fantastic back-room staff and vice-captains, many of whom will take the mantle as captain in the near future. I applaud Monty's conduct and his professionalism over his 'two years of hell' as he puts it. This is his major, the one thing missing from his career, but I'm sure now he won't mind for the moment. A successful Ryder Cup captain is equally as impressive.

Best European

I'm torn between four and it's so hard to separate. First up Lee Westwood. A shock loss in the singles as many people would have had that down as a European banker but over the four days he has lead from the front on more than one occasion just like his captain used to do.

Next is Ian Poulter. Up there again as joint leading points scorer and slowly going down in history as a Ryder Cup great. His passion and not to mention his tweeting were second to none.

Luke Donald. Has a Ryder Cup record to behold. He is unbeaten in his last six foursomes matches winning all six. And has only lost twice in his last 10 games. A vital point on the final day, one of five needed by Europe.

Last but not least Miguel Angel Jimenez. The cigar smoking talisman was described as the 'heartbeat' of the team. A fantastic display of golf in the singles where previously he had never won. The 4&3 victory saw to that.

Best American

I'm going to give it to Jeff Overton. The rookie from Indiana was hooting and hollering around the course but still got the job done. Showed great passion for the Ryder Cup and did well to win his singles match after being 2 down early on.

I also would like to mention Stewart Cink and Steve Stricker. The veterans were the back bone of the team when stellar names around them weren't performing. Cink was deadly with his iron play and on the greens whilst Stricker went about his business quietly ending up joint points scorer for the Americans.

Best Match

So many to make a case for and thats the way it should be. I'm going for Westwood and Donald's foursome destruction over Tiger Woods and Stricker. The 6&5 score line certainly doesn't flatter the Europeans as they dominated throughout. 4 up quickly in the dusk of Saturday evening and that form continued into Sunday.

5 up on the 10th thanks to a Westwood 35 footer and they also won the 11th before formalities on the 13th. It could have been a bigger winning margin if it wasn't for the putting of Stricker.

So attentions now turn to the Medinah Country Club, Indiana here the American will be trying there hardest to win back the Samuel Ryder trophy.

Celtic Manor exposed the rawest emotions found in golf and delivering a moment that defines a career - even for a US Open champion.

The USA Today newspaper said: "Teamwork has trumped the individual spirit once again at another Ryder Cup, but just barely."

That 'barely' has been there for over a decade if not more so it's something that the US Team really have to work on. Two years ago at Valhalla is the first time in ages they actually looked like a team.

Wheels have already been put in motion for whom will succeed Monty. Jose Maria Olazabel is the clear favourite amongst players and fans alike. Monty has said that he'd like to be back playing in that team. The victorious captain is now surely up there with the Ryder Cup greats alongside the team dedicated the win too - Seve Ballesteros

My nerves have been shot and I'm just starting to calm down but what a fantastic few days. The Ryder Cup is, if it wasn't before up there as one of the best sporting events ever.

The 2010 winning Ryder Cup team........