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Ryder Cup 2012: Europe completes monster comeback to retain title

Europe made a staggering comeback Sunday to win the Ryder Cup, rallying from four points down in singles play in competition that wasn't determined until the final two pairs.

Martin Kaymer of Germany sank the winning putt on the 18th hole to secure the victory — in reality, the 14th point in the competition that saw the Europeans assure themselves of a tie that allowed them to retain the championship. With it, Europe completed one of the greatest comebacks in Ryder Cup history.

All that remained was the day's final pair, and Tiger Woods halved it with Italy's Francesco Molinari. As they walked off the course, Molinari joined his teammates in celebration of a 14½-13½ triumph.

"The colossal collapse in Chicago," NBC's Johnny Miller said on the air after Kaymer won his match.

Tears of joy for Europeans | Complete list of Ryder Cup results | Final leaderboard | McIlroy arrives late, then rolls to victory

The tournament at Medinah Country Club's No. 3 course near Chicago turned into a nail-biter as some of America's best and brightest succumbed to their competitors.

Steve Stricker lost the 17th hole and gave Kaymer a one-hole lead and a chance to seal victory for Europe. He did on the 18th hole.

Woods was left on the course with a meaningless final pairing against Molinari. It was a frustrating day for Woods, who missed several putts. It was just as grisly for the Americans, who couldn't hold leads against stubborn Europeans.

The Yanks didn't deliver on Sunday. The Europeans set the pace with winning the first five matches.

It was the Americans' inability to close out matches on the 17th and 18th holes that did them in. Several matches were square entering those holes. Europeans proved superior with victory on the line in nearly every case.

Phil Mickelson couldn't hold off Justin Rose, who birdied 18 to win their match. Sergio Garcia rallied to top Jim Furyk, who was left stunned when he lost.

Final scores:

Justin Rose (E) defeated Phil Mickelson (U.S.) 1-up

Ian Poulter (E) defeated Webb Simpson (U.S.) 2-up

Luke Donald (E) defeated Bubba Watson (U.S.) 2-and-1

Rory McIlroy (E) defeated Keegan Bradley (U.S.) 2-and-1

Dustin Johnson defeated Nicolas Colsaerts (E) 3-and-2

Paul Lawrie (E) defeated Brandt Snedeker (U.S.) 5-and-3

Zach Johnson (U.S.) defeated Graeme McDowell (E) 2-and-1

Lee Westwood (E) defeated Matt Kuchar (U.S.) 3-and-2

Sergio Garcia (E) defeated Jim Furyk (U.S.) 1-up

Justin Dufner (U.S.) defeated Peter Hanson (E) 2-up

Martin Kaymer (E) defeated Steve Stricker (U.S.) 1-up

Tiger Woods (U.S.) halved with Francesco Molinari (E)

Final score: Europe 14½, United States 13½

Full leaderboard | McIlroy arrives late, then rolls to victory | Luke Donald sets stage for Europe

Kaymer delivered the crucial 14th point with a 1-up victory over Stricker. When Kaymer rolled in the 6-foot putt to clinch the match Sunday, he threw up his arms in triumph and shook his fists. His teammates, surrounding the green, roared and grabbed anyone within reach for a hug. European captain Jose Maria Olazabal, watching from the middle of the fairway, closed his eyes and looked skyward.

It was a shocking finish for the Americans, who were poised to win the Ryder Cup for only the third time since 1999 after taking a 10-4 lead midway through Saturday afternoon's matches. But the Europeans rallied to win the final two, and then built on the lead by winning the first five matches Sunday.

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