Captain Paul McGinley's team held a 10-6 lead following the completion of the fourballs and foursomes and scored 6 ½ points in the final day's singles to eclipse the required target of 14 ½ to win the Cup outright.

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy put the first point on the board, beating Rickie Fowler 5&4, before compatriot Graeme McDowell came from three behind to beat American Jordan Spieth 2&1.

Germany's Martin Kaymer chipped in on hole 16 to defeat Bubba Watson 4&2 and England's Justin Rose battled back from four down against Hunter Mahan to secure a half-point on the final hole and move Europe to within a further half-point of retaining the trophy.

Wales' Jamie Donaldson pushed them over the line on the 15th green, beating Keegan Bradley 4&3.

Europe have now won the last three competitions and eight of the last 10.

"I'm very proud of every one of these players," said Ireland's McGinley.

"I couldn't have asked for an ounce more from them.

"I've been involved in so many Ryder Cups and seen mistakes we've made.

"I've changed things a bit.

"Bringing in the fifth vice-captain has been a factor in helping to prepare the guys, especially in the afternoon sessions, but we have had 12 players who have been awesome."

Jamie Donaldson's 4&3 win against Keegan Bradley sealed Europe's success ©Getty Images





Tom Watson, the US captain, added: "They have a wonderful team, but we came in here thinking we could beat them.

"Turns out we couldn't."

Sweden's Henrik Stenson missed a short putt on the 18th green that would have given him a half-point against Patrick Reed, while Scotland's Stephen Gallacher lost 3&1 to Phil Mickelson and Denmark's Thomas Bjorn suffered a 4&3 defeat to Matt Kuchar.

Spain's Sergio Garcia finished with three birdies and an eagle in the last five holes to beat Jim Furyk by a hole.

England's Ian Poulter kept his unbeaten singles record at the Ryder Cup in tact with a half-point against Webb Simpson, but countryman Lee Westwood lost out to Jimmy Walker, who triumphed 3&2.

Westwood was aiming to claim his 24th Ryder Cup point, which would have placed him joint-second with Germany's Bernhard Langer, but remains two points behind record-holder Sir Nick Faldo.

In the final pairing, France's Victor Dubuisson halved with Zach Johnson.

The 2016 Ryder Cup is due to be held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota.