Ryder Cup 2010 - Down to the Wire

HK Golfer's Andrew Mullen examines Colin Montgomerie's captaincy and rates the performance of the two sides at what proved to be a Celtic Manor cracker for the 2010 Ryder Cup

European Ratings

Lee Westwood
Montgomerie’s on course leader and strongman did Europe proud as expected, helping claim 2 ½ points in foursomes and fourballs, including the 6&5 destruction of Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker on Sunday. Was outdone by a superb Stricker in Monday’s singles but had already done his part. 8/10

Rory McIlroy
Despite once remarking the tournament was just an exhibition, the 21-year-old was fully caught up in Ryder Cup fever, although he appeared to be trying too hard over the first two days. Should he have laid up on the 18th during the opening fourballs after watching Stewart Cink find the water? The decision may have cost Europe a win instead of just a half, but did you really expect him to do anything else? 6.5/10

Martin Kaymer
Unbeaten in foursomes and fourballs after contributing 2 ½ points alongside Westwood and Poulter. But, despite being seen as a good chance of a singles point against Dustin Johnson, suffered a 6&4 defeat as the American gained some revenge for the US PGA Championship. 6.5/10

Graeme McDowell
The man who won it for Europe. The US Open champion was put at the bottom of the singles order for a reason and did not disappoint with a key birdie at 16 against Mahan before sealing victory a hole later. Also played a crucial ‘big brother' role for fellow Ulsterman McIlroy. 8/10

Ian Poulter
Intense is the only way to describe Poulter at the Ryder Cup. Bounced back from an opening defeat by Woods and Stricker in fourballs to pick up two wins over the weekend carrying Kaymer on Sunday to top score for Europe alongside Donald. The fist-pumping Englishman was tremendous in the singles with a 5&4 win over Kuchar. 9/10

Ross Fisher
The 2009 Volvo World Match Play champion carried Harrington during their 3&2 foursomes win over Phil Mickelson and Johnson but went off the boil in the singles losing to Jeff Overton following four bogeys in his last five holes in a disappointing end to his debut. 7/10

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