Ryder Cup day three as it happened

1. Final score: Europe 16½-11½ United States
2. Jamie Donaldson secures the point that retains the Ryder Cup for Europe
3. McIlroy, McDowell, Kaymer, Garcia & Donaldson win singles points
4. Europe win the Ryder Cup three times in a row for only the third time

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson: "The Scottish fans won't see anything like this again. For me to be involved was something special. It was an intensity I wasn't used to. For me to be back in the boiling pot of real sportsmen was marvellous."

This is all a bit weird, the Americans have been banished from the stage like the bad class at school assembly and the Europeans are let loose with the champagne. Could be about time to wrap this, I'm not sure what else there is to say, other than good night and hope to see you in Hazeltine in 2016.

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Europe captain Paul McGinley: "We lift this trophy not just on behalf of the players but also on behalf of every one of the people in the continent - all languages, cultures and religions. I'm sure that everyone is proud to stand behind these players.

"To Tom and the United States team, although you don't carry the trophy you have won as participants in another staging of the Ryder Cup, in the skill and exuberance you have shown that will encourage people to take up our great sport and in helping promote golf as it faces the challenges of modern time.

"In winning a Ryder Cup as captain will now forever be linked in history with my golfing hero Tom Watson. Thank you to all the fans for your unbelievable and always noisy support."

McGinley introduces each of his players individually and it's time for us all to go home. After the great tradition that is the lowering of the flags and the playing of the national anthems... funnily enough, the Star-Spangled Banner elicits rather more emotion from the American players than Beethoven's Ode To Joy does from the Europeans, with Bubba roaring out the words and shaking with emotion. Hang on, apparently they haven't handed over the trophy yet...

Iain Carter

BBC golf correspondent on Radio 5 live

"The caddies all stand to applaud their captain. The players stand too. They'll all be having a few drinks tonight. And the vice-captains stand too. Everyone thought it would be a case of too many cooks spoil the broth."

Reuters

United States captain Tom Watson: "I congratulate Paul McGinley and his team on a magnificent performance and would like to say a big thank you to the fans here. Your humour had me chuckling at times and I'd especially like to thank the Americans - you were vastly outnumbered but never stopped shouting.

"We arrived united and depart united. United in our pride for our country and what the colours mean on that flag. As I told my players earlier this week, it has been an honour and a privilege to be their captain. Europe played wonderfully this week, you should be very proud. But we are going to come back stronger in two years."

Alex Salmond being booed as he steps up to hand over the trophy to Paul McGinley, but the boos turn to cheers as the handover is made. Paul McGinley spent three days at Victor Dubuisson's house? "Oui, Paul, I told you when you first arrived three days ago, I will play. Now please go home now..."

US golf writer Stephanie Wei: McGinley went to 25 events this year, had dinners w/players, went to visit Dubuisson at his home for 3 days. Really understood his players.

In stark contrast to Medinah in 2012, at least the Americans are smiling this time. Mind you, Phil Mickelson would still be smiling if he had been drifting on a raft at sea for four months. American skipper Tom Watson delivering his speech - "Paul [McGinley], your team was full of studs this week..."

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Andy Murray: Great job Europe... sounds like a very clinical performance at gleneagles! Imagine the celebrations could get a bit messy tonight!

Furyk loses again

Golf Channel's Justin Ray: Jim Furyk is now the first player in US history to lose 20 Ryder Cup matches.

News reaches me that Phil Mickelson, who didn't hit a shot on Saturday, has chucked skipper Tom Watson under a bus in an interview with the Golf Channel, I'm sure more details will be out there soon. We still have pipers on stage and no players - as I type, the pipers cease and off they march...

Iain Carter

BBC golf correspondent on Radio 5 live

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"The best captain I have seen of a Ryder Cup team is Paul McGinley, no question about it. The Americans are completely ad hoc. So they start so far behind Europe every time."

BBC Radio 5 live

Patrick Reed: "I'm disappointed but we'll build from it and get ourselves going to play in two years.

"It was a blast. I just wanted to get the crowd going on both sides, screaming and yelling and shouting. Henrik is a good friend of mine and I was glad I was able to get the crowd into it.

"Tom Watson is a great guy and mentor and legend of this game. We let him down. But they played better than we did."

No long and rambling closing ceremony, or so I'm told, which has to be a good thing - turn up, get the thing done, hand over the trophy, get down to some drinking. Sad to say but I get the feeling Tom Watson's reputation might take a few dents in the days to come, there seemed to be more chemistry between him and the European boys than his own team.

Iain Carter

BBC golf correspondent on Radio 5 live

"The European team are bouncing on the 18th green in celebration. It's a moment they will cherish, there's no doubt about that."

BBC

BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter on Twitter: What a scene!

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... no sooner have Johnson and Dubuisson shaken hands than the Frenchman is attacked by Mad McIlroy and a new bottle of champagne - Dubuisson isn't looking so mysterious now, flat on his back and dripping in Moet and Chandon. Cue bagpipes, there will be much booze drunk in Gleneagles this evening.

Singles final scores

BBC

Graeme McDowell beat Jordan Spieth 2&1

Henrik Stenson lost to Patrick Reed 1UP

Rory McIlroy beat Rickie Fowler 5&4

Justin Rose halved with Hunter Mahan

Stephen Gallacher lost to Phil Mickelson 3&1

Martin Kaymer beat Bubba Watson 4&2

Thomas Bjorn lost to Matt Kuchar 4&3

Sergio Garcia beat Jim Furyk 1UP

Ian Poulter halved with Webb Simpson

Jamie Donaldson beat Keegan Bradley 4&3

Lee Westwood lost to Jimmy Walker 3&2

Victor Dubuisson halved with Zach Johnson

Complete scores

Dubuisson v Johnson

Europe up

Johnson has got a very tricky putt himself but he manages to bend his to within 15 feet or so. McIlroy has gone early! The cork blows off the champagne bottle he's been nursing and goes flying across the green, what a ruddy eejit. And what a shot this is from Dubuisson, who sticks his chip to within a few feet. But it's not good enough, because Johnson makes his to halve the match. And that was that...

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United States captain Tom Watson: "The real difference was the foursomes. The combined scores for our team in foursomes were really, really high compared to theirs.

"We made them think about us early on in the singles and then they turned it on but the foursomes play is what separated the two teams.

"You played your best but it wasn't good enough. You've got to find out what it takes to play a little bit better."

Reuters

Dubuisson's second into 18 is a little bit wild and the Frenchman is assailed by cameramen and fellow players as he makes his way to the back of the green. The Frenchman pitching on from the rough... and he's made a dog's dinner of it, sending across the green and back down a swell...

EPA

This is the third time Europe have won the Ryder Cup three times in succession, their most amount of wins in a row. The United States hold the record, having won seven on the trot twice, but that was when they weren't playing the whole of Europe.

Iain Carter

BBC golf correspondent on Radio 5 live

"The fact of the matter is, when Tom Watson was appointed it was in the wake of him finishing second at the Open championship (in 2009). There was a feeling he'd tap into the US team. But the vibe that I've had is there was no direct line of communication between the captain, the vice captains and the players."

Dubuisson has bombed his drive down the 18th and Johnson's isn't bad either, although some way back. Here comes Miguel Angel Jimenez, driving his buggy down the 18th, cigar in hand, waving regally, as Johnson prepares to play his second. Yanks it left of the green...

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Aran Hayashi: Europe will dominate the Ryder Cup for years to come. So much talent coming through

Tom Butcher: Europe have been phenomenal all weekend! Unbelievable golf played, fair play to America for making a contest of it!

Simon Westland: Every one of the 12 players contributed to this win. Superb team performance

Johnson misses his par putt, meaning Dubuisson has a six-footer to win the match... didn't hit the little bleeder, hole halved in four, Dubuisson guaranteed to remain unbeaten...

Dubuisson and Johnson side by side in the sand and the Frenchman plays first and comes up a little short. The Frenchman, in contrast to Johnson, hasn't lost all week and therefore remains unbeaten in Ryder Cups, so he won't be coughing this up either. Johnson almost matches him with his escape...

Dubuisson tugs his tee shot at 17 and finds sand, as does Johnson. Zach is staring down the barrel at three defeats in a week so he won't be giving up the ghost.

Dubuisson v Johnson

Europe up

I'm not afraid to admit my focus has slightly gone as well, sorry about that. What I can tell you is that Johnson could only make par at 16 and Dubuisson somehow walked off with a birdie after being next to a tree in two, meaning the Frenchman sneaks a lead.

Johnson safely on in three at 16, Dubuisson playing from in front of a tree. He has a swing and he has plenty of history of scrambling, he's like a modern-day Seve... stiffs it short of the hole, that was almost mysterious in its brilliance...

Europe 16-11 USA - Europe have retained the Ryder Cup

BBC

Graeme McDowell beat Jordan Spieth 2&1

Henrik Stenson lost to Patrick Reed 1UP

Rory McIlroy beat Rickie Fowler 5&4

Justin Rose halved with Hunter Mahan

Stephen Gallacher lost to Phil Mickelson 3&1

Martin Kaymer beat Bubba Watson 4&2

Thomas Bjorn lost to Matt Kuchar 4&3

Sergio Garcia beat Jim Furyk 1UP

Ian Poulter halved with Webb Simpson

Jamie Donaldson beat Keegan Bradley 4&3

Lee Westwood lost to Jimmy Walker 3&2

Victor Dubuisson v Zach Johnson - A/S after 15

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Ian Poulter speaking to Sky Sports: "The US came at us hard this morning, like we expected, but Graeme McDowell and Justin Rose managed to turn their matches around. It is just incredible.

"The captain [Paul McGinley] was superb - from the images on the team room walls to the way he treated everyone just the same.

"The way that Rory [McIlroy] did it today was enormously impressive. He pressed it home all the way from the start. There weren't enough of big moments from me this week, but it is not about the players it is about the team."

It's a bit tricky trying to focus on what's going on out on the course but we have Victor Dubuisson and Zach Johnson still going at it down the last. The Frenchman has made a nause-up of his approach but you can't blame him for being deflated.

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Sergio Garcia speaking to Sky Sports: "I hit a couple of wayward shots on my round, but the finish was amazing over the last few holes. I am not someone who cries but coming down 17 I couldn't hold it. This event is so special and I have been lucky to play in so many.

"Paul McGinley was so methodical, touching on every area that he needed to. I have been fortunate to have some great captains, but Paul did things differently and in great style. He was a little bit more modern, looking into little things that we could do better and he has been on at me for months about how much he wants me to be in his team. That helped me play well."

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"If we could have played four fourballs, we might have had a match there," says a smiling Tom Watson to Paul McGinley.

BBC Radio 5 live

America's Matt Kuchar: "It's tough but the Europeans are playing some great golf. Bubba and I played fantastic yesterday but we couldn't keep up with Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose. That summed it up for me. That's been the way the cup has gone the last few times.

"All of us get home and then we get ready to play what comes next. There's not much else you can do."

I had a buzz from every conversation with Tom Watson, says McGinley

AP

Europe captain Paul McGinley: "The Ryder Cup has evolved. I've seen the mistakes we've made over the years and I've changed things a little bit. Bringing in a fifth vice-captain I think helped us in those afternoon foursomes. Des [Smyth] on the first day and Ole [Jose Maria Olazabal] on the second day were brilliant, they did so much to prepare the guys for those sessions. For fans from the corner of Ireland to the bottom of Turkey, that's who I'm proud and happy for.

"It was an incredible performance from Graeme McDowell. In some ways it was a bit of a gamble to play him only three times this week. But I told him all along I wanted him out first on Sunday and he had enough energy to turn around a deficit like that.

"Tom Watson was my golfing hero growing up. He still is to a large extent, there are so many qualities I still admire. I think a lot of my golfing personality has come from watching Tom over the years. I've enjoyed every conversation we've had together over the last two years and I always had a buzz when I saw a message coming in from Tom Watson."

Poulter v Simpson

My apologies, Simpson is actually one up heading down the 18th and could be about to deal Poulter a first defeat in Ryder Cup singles. Poulter's long putt comes up short, but Simpson must have made a hash of things somewhere back down the fairway because the Englishman nicked that last hole to remain unbeaten in five singles matches going back to 2004.

Iain Carter

BBC golf correspondent on Radio 5 live

"Tom Watson was the last man to captain an overseas win for the USA (in 1993) but not only have they been outplayed, they've been outfought and outthought. It's little wonder every player we've heard from has praised Paul McGinley to the heights."

Andrew Magee

American PGA Tour winner on BBC Radio 5 live

I'm just looking at the matches the Americans won. Reed won with eight birdies, so there's some good golf out there. We just don't have the depth that Europe do.

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Poulter still duelling with Webb Simpson, that game still alive down the 18th. Poulter has missed a stack of putts today but Simpson hasn't been in much form either, which might explain why he's been hidden away at the bottom of the American pack. Fine approach by Simpson, he's got a chance to close out this match...

Garcia v Furyk

Furyk's eagle attempt misses a couple of inches to the left and Garcia has won the match to make it 15½ - 9½ to Europe. The Americans are taking a beating, there's no getting away from it.

Reuters

Europe's Rory McIlroy speaking to Sky Sports: "We are really happy for Jamie Donaldson to get the job done. He has played really well this week, been great in the team room, lots of fun, and it was superb that the last shot fell to him.

"I cannot speak highly enough of the captain. Paul McGinley has left no stone unturned. Everything has tied in, from the people he has got to come and talk to us to the imagery and messages in the team room. He has been planning these days for the last two years."

Garcia cosies his ball up to the hole at 18 and that will be conceded. Furyk needs this 15-footer to win the hole and halve the match...

Dubuisson v Johnson

Europe up

Victor Dubuisson stole a march on Johnson on 13 and the American needs to make a clutch putt on 14 to stay one down, which he does.

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Europe captain Paul McGinley: "Proud is how I feel. Everyone has been huge - the player, the caddies, the vice-captains, all the backroom staff - it has been a huge team effort.

"The pleasure you get when you look at the expression on a face like Jamie's. A big factor was coming out jumping in the foursomes, wave after wave after wave. We had a plan and structure with three or four big ideas and we kept coming back to those. That proved right.

"This sense of pride for the players and the happiness of the people in the stands, that is what you do it for. It is not the same as playing and I told the players to enjoy it because these days go quick."

Furyk going with hybrid into the 18th and that's a pearly queen, leaving himself a very makeable eagle putt back down the hill. Anything you can do, says Garcia, I can do just as well and that's a beauty from the Spaniard. Off comes the cap as he bowls down the 18th fairway, stalking the hawkish Furyk.

Europe 14½ - 9½ USA - Europe have retained the Ryder Cup

Graeme McDowell beat Jordan Spieth 2&1

Henrik Stenson lost to Patrick Reed 1UP

Rory McIlroy beat Rickie Fowler 5&4

Justin Rose halved with Hunter Mahan

Stephen Gallacher lost to Phil Mickelson 3&1

Martin Kaymer beat Bubba Watson 4&2

Thomas Bjorn lost to Matt Kuchar 4&3

Sergio Garcia v Jim Furyk - Europe 1UP after 17

Ian Poulter v Webb Simpson - A/S after 16

Jamie Donaldson beat Keegan Bradley 4&3

Lee Westwood v Jimmy Walker - USA 2UP after 14

Victor Dubuisson v Zach Johnson - Europe 1UP after 13

BBC Radio 5 live

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Jamie Donaldson: "That was a perfect yardage, all I had to do was make a good contact and start it on the right line. I knew the crowd were gathering and things were coming down to my game and obviously I was just trying to win my point. It was vital I kept plugging away.

"This is pretty damn special. It's hard to put it into words. There's nothing quite like the Ryder Cup. I've played all over the world and quite a few majors and this is the pinnacle of it all.

"I played under Paul McGinley at the Seve Trophy and I knew he would be sensational here. He's been an inspirational captain."

Garcia driving into the wind at 18, finds the fairway. Furyk safely away, as punters stream towards the exits all around him. This is always a rather eerie, ghostly period, after the spoils have already been decided and players are doing it only for pride.

Player and family reaction

BBC Radio 5 live

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Rory McIlroy: "I can't say enough about our captain Paul McGinley. He's put so much hard work into this the last two years. This is a different win to Medinah. We were in control the whole way. The three wins I've been involved in have been very different wins. I'm just delighted to be able to join in these celebrations."

Henrik Stenson: "What a shot from Jamie to close out the match. He's played phenomenal and what a pleasure for him."

Alex Donaldson (Jamie Donaldson's brother): "Jamie's worked really, really hard over the last couple of years and his performances have been building up to something big."

Jamie's mum Jackie: "I'm in seventh heaven. It's unbelievable, I just want to cry."

Garcia v Furyk

We do have plenty of golf still out there, the days of shaking hands and heading off for a lager because the event is won and lost are long gone. On the 17th, Furyk has a six-footer to keep his game against Garcia alive... spunky from the old fella, who hasn't won a Ryder Cup singles since Oakland Hills in 2004.

BBC

PA

Well, I don't think anybody expected Europe's victory to be as comfortable as this and what a fantastic way to seal things - Welshman Jamie Donaldson only secured his place a few weeks ago after winning the Czech Masters. Just wasn't enough poke in this American team, and you could say the same for quite a few recent Ryder Cups.

Jamie Donaldson v Keegan Bradley

Bernard Gallacher

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live

"That's one of the greatest shots you could ever see under this pressure. He ignored where Keegan Bradley's ball was and made a beeline for the flag."

Donaldson laced an iron to two feet after Bradley's approach to 20 feet. The American looked at captain Tom Watson, who said 'Pick it up. They've won'.

Donaldson v Bradley

Europe up

Reuters

Bradley has conceded and EUROPE HAVE WON THE RYDER CUP for the eighth time in the last 10 stagings...

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Gleneagles

"The 15th green has been among the quietest on the course all week. It's way out on the fringes, abutting only the quiet side of the 14th fairway and the 16th tee. And suddenly it is like the last days of Rome."

Back on 15, here's Bradley thrashing out of the rough and what a shot that is, right into the guts of the green. Donaldson, meanwhile, has almost stuck his in - remarkable shot and we have handshakes all round now as reality finally sets in...

Garcia v Furyk

Europe up

Furyk and Garcia both went close with their approaches at 16 and here's the former missing with his eagle attempt. Not so Garcia, who feathers his putt into the right-hand side of the cup. It's party time now on the course, Gleneagles rocking and rolling.

BreakingDonaldson v Bradley

Europe up

EUROPE RETAIN THE RYDER CUP... Donaldson misses but pops in to ensure he will get the half point that retains the Ryder Cup for Europe... I say Europe retain the Ryder Cup, but of course we still have cards to be signed and all the rest of the formalities to be sorted...

Bradley's third misses by a couple of feet, Donaldson with a birdie putt for the hole, the match and the Ryder Cup for Europe...

Westwood v Walker

Europe up

Westwood gets a hole back against Walker on 14...

Righto, it's Jamie Donaldson putting for the Ryder Cup. He's got a long way to go from the back of the green and he gives it some serious mallet, bounding it some way past the hole...

BBC Radio 5 live

Stephen Gallacher: Jamie's played great all week. It couldn't come down to a better guy.

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Bradley needs a miracle at 14, he really has to pop this pitch in from the bottom of the swell to have any chance of denying Europe. It is a little known fact that Bradley walks six times as far as the average PGA Tour pro in the course of a round of golf and after he finally settles he races his pitch miles past the hole...

Garcia v Furyk

Europe up

Garcia makes his birdie at 15... Furyk misses... the Americans still swinging, but their punches don't have much vigour in these final stages...

Singles latest scores

Graeme McDowell beat Jordan Spieth 2&1

Henrik Stenson lost to Patrick Reed 1UP

Rory McIlroy beat Rickie Fowler 5&4

Justin Rose halved with Hunter Mahan

Stephen Gallacher lost to Phil Mickelson 3&1

Martin Kaymer beat Bubba Watson 4&2

Thomas Bjorn lost to Matt Kuchar 4&3

Sergio Garcia v Jim Furyk - A/S after 15

Ian Poulter v Webb Simpson - A/S after 14

Jamie Donaldson v Keegan Bradley - Europe 4UP after 13

Lee Westwood v Jimmy Walker - USA 3UP after 12

Victor Dubuisson v Zach Johnson - USA 1UP after 11

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Donaldson drives through the green at the short par-four 14th, Bradley tugs his left and into the swell. Good luck getting up and down from there - remember, if that hole is halved, Europe retain the Ryder Cup...

Poulter v Simpson

USA up

Furyk with his second at 15... gets inside Garcia by a couple of inches, and Garcia was only about nine feet from the hole. Poulter with a 10-footer to halve the 14th and he pokes it left, Simpson could yet steal that one down the stretch...

Europe's Justin Rose speaking to Sky Sports: "I feel fortunate to have got a half out of that one but at this stage every little helps, especially the position I was in with three to go. I was really proud of getting back in the match. Hunter played really well today, throwing everything at me from the off."

Westwood v Walker

USA up

Jimmy Walker has the edge on Lee Westwood down in match 11, but that match could be irrelevant...

Jamie Donaldson v Keegan Bradley

Conor McNamara

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at Gleneagles

"There are probably 30 photographers and TV cameras quickly arriving to see this game on the 13th. Rookie Jamie knows the significance of this. He could go dormie anytime now, the half point Europe need to retain the Ryder Cup."

Donaldson v Bradley

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Garcia follows Furyk down the middle at 15 as we jump back to 13, with Bradley needing this 15-footer to win the hole. Misses and he's now got a knee-knocker for a half... off he wanders, as is his wont, before ramming it home. Good lad.

Simpson on the tee at the 14th and he overcooks it, but that's still not bad from 280 yards. Poulter gets chocs away and sends his ball screaming, head-high, into the gallery. Furyk on the tee at 15 and he pumps his drive down the middle.

Sandy Lyle

Five-time European Ryder Cup player on BBC Radio 5 live

I wonder if Tom Watson is saying 'Don't give anything outside a foot'.

Jim Furyk makes Sergio Garcia putt out from close range to halve the 14th to remain one down.

Garcia v Furyk

Donaldson with his second at 13 and that's safely on. Garcia for a half at 14, from three feet... sweeps it in. Furyk remains one up, though, after a piece of wizardry from the fringe...

Singles latest scores

BBC

Graeme McDowell beat Jordan Spieth 2&1

Henrik Stenson lost to Patrick Reed 1UP

Rory McIlroy beat Rickie Fowler 5&4

Justin Rose halved with Hunter Mahan

Stephen Gallacher lost to Phil Mickelson 3&1

Martin Kaymer beat Bubba Watson 4&2

Thomas Bjorn lost to Matt Kuchar 4&3

Sergio Garcia v Jim Furyk - USA 1UP after 14

Ian Poulter v Webb Simpson - Europe 1UP after 13

Jamie Donaldson v Keegan Bradley - Europe 4UP after 12

Lee Westwood v Jimmy Walker - USA 2UP after 11

Victor Dubuisson v Zach Johnson - A/S after 8

Poulter v Simpson

USA up

Webb Simpson gives his team a glimmer with a chip-in at 13, he gets back to within one hole of Poulter. As it stands, it looks like Welshman Donaldson could be the man who seals things for Europe...

Donaldson v Bradley

Europe up

Donaldson duffing up Bradley... Europe, by the way, need only half a point from a possible five to retain the Ryder Cup...

Rose v Mahan

AP

That abomination cost Mahan dear and Rose managed to scramble a half at the 18th - as much as I hate to say it, Hunter is earning a reputation as a man who fluffs his lines as the play reaches its dramatic ending.

Latest score: Europe 13½-9½ US. Latest projected score: Europe 16-12 US.

Kaymer v Watson

Europe up

Mahan has come up with an abomination of a chip at 18, taking a full swing and sending his ball bounding over the other side of the green. Kaymer has closed his match out with an eagle chip at 16! Down on one knee, giving it the one-handed axe, not often you see the German so animated.

Reuters

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Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Gleneagles

The thousands round the 16th go ripe bananas as Kaymer's eagle drops to take Europe a point away and complete Bubba's miserable week. A river of faces and waving arms up either side of the fairway, a great lake of them around the green.

Gallacher v Mickelson

USA up

PA

... another singles win for the Americans, Mickelson finally sees off the spirited challenge of Scotland's Stephen Gallacher...

Bjorn v Kuchar

USA up

That approach was enough for Kuchar, another point for the Americans and the fourth stars and stripes arrow since I took over 20 minutes ago...

Reuters

Kuchar with his second at 15 and it's a doozy. Kuchar strolls towards the green with that slightly bemused smile of his, as if he's just realised exactly what he wants from life after months of soul-searching. Gallacher makes a mess of his second at 17, that match about to be over...

Donaldson v Bradley

Europe up

Mahan sprays his second into the swell next to the 18th, Donaldson has just nicked another hole against Bradley in match 10...

Stephen Gallacher v Phil Mickelson

John Murray

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at Gleneagles

AP

"I'm sensing a little American swing at the moment."

Mickelson has just holed out for birdie against Gallacher to go dormie two.

Bubba standing over his second at 16, he found the fairway bang middle with his drive. Kaymer, by the way, missed the short stuff with his approach, but Bubba is safely on. Mickelson with his tee shot at the short 17th and he's found sand. Here's Gallacher, the localish boy, and he pushes his tee shot short and right.

Gallacher v Mickelson

USA up

Rose on the tee at 18 and he leaks it into the rough out right. Down at the bottom, Dubuisson and Johnson are level after eight and have halved every hole with a par. Mickelson for the hole at 16, from four feet... nails it, Gallacher being drowned out at sea after a valiant effort to stay afloat...

Stenson v Reed

USA up

Reed with a putt for eagle to win the match at the last, from about 15 feet... choker, misses by the width of a fag paper. Reed sinks to his haunches, no man has given as much as him this week. Stenson has five feet left... tugs it left, the US have their first point of the singles and stem the bleeding.

Latest score: Europe 12-7 US. Latest projected score: Europe 16-12 US.

Kaymer v Watson

USA up

Kaymer for par at 15, from 10 feet, leaves it a whisker left. Hole conceded, Bubba gets back to within three...

Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan

Bubba with his second to 15 and he stiffs one to within 10 feet, but he's got it all to do against Kaymer, who is four up. Mahan with a long-range birdie putt on 17... starts way right and comes careering back to within a couple of inches of the cup, should make par. Rose for the hole, right to left, doesn't hit it...

Many thanks Mike, this is Ben Dirs. Hunter Mahan is a club short with his tee shot at the par-three 17th, Justin Rose gets his right up there for a makeable birdie putt. Here's Patrick Reed with his second to 18, starting it out right, skipping after it, and that's a peach.

I think the Martin Kaymer point is a banker at dormie four, so where might the final point required by Europe arrive?

Ian Poulter (one up through 10) and Jamie Donaldson (two up though nine) are the other patches of blue in play.

With a couple of halves in the mix as well, the current projected score is Europe 16-12 USA. Here is Ben Dirs to turn projected into reality...

Europe up

Jamie Donaldson has moved two up on Keegan Bradley at the turn, while Justin Rose holes a putt to stay within touch, one down to Hunter Mahan after 16.

GMac a true leader, says Luke Donald

Four-times Ryder Cup player and former world number one Luke Donald: Huge turn around win for GMac, that's how you lead off

McGinley awaits coronation

Andrew Cotter

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at Gleneagles

"Paul McGinley's just walked back down the fairway like a king with his people surrounding him."

Martin Kaymer v Bubba Watson

Martin Kaymer with a putt to kill off Bubba Watson on 14, but the last rites will have to wait. Hole halved and onto 15 with the German four up.

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Gleneagles

"Still plenty of US red on the leaderboard, but with Europe closing in fast on the 14 points needed to retain the Ryder Cup, speculation in the giddy galleries mounts as to who, what and where will nail the pivotal putt. Rammed around the 16th, so that's where the smart money is - but you can't move on the 17th and 18th either, and it's tip-toes room only around the 15th."

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Still Rickie Fowler awaits his first Ryder Cup win. He has played pretty well this week for me, but has run into some serious European form.

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed

Honours even on the 16th green and the Henrik Stenson/Patrick Reed dust-up is guaranteed a trip up the 18th.

As both players pursue their tee-shots on 17, Stenson offers a cheery thumbs-up to the camera. Reed has the blinkers on, marching forward, taking no notice.

Singles latest scores

BBC

Graeme McDowell beat Jordan Spieth 2&1

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed - A/S after 16

Rory McIlroy beat Rickie Fowler 5&4

Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan - USA 1UP after 15

Stephen Gallacher v Phil Mickelson - A/S after 14

Martin Kaymer v Bubba Watson - Europe 4UP after 13

Thomas Bjorn v Matt Kuchar - USA 3UP after 12

Sergio Garcia v Jim Furyk - USA 1UP after 10

Ian Poulter v Webb Simpson - Europe 1UP after 10

Jamie Donaldson v Keegan Bradley - Europe 1UP after 8

Lee Westwood v Jimmy Walker - USA 1UP after 8

Victor Dubuisson v Zach Johnson - A/S after 6

AFP

Getty Images

Two points away.

That Graeme McDowell win makes it Europe 12-6 USA on the board.

As it stands, those on the blue side of the Atlantic are heading for a 16.5-11.5 win.

BreakingGraeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

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Graeme McDowell splashes out to within six feet, and with Jordan Spieth missing his monster back up the hill, he has a putt to close out the victory.

Right into the heart of the hole. Rory Mcllroy is among the first out on the green to congratulate his countryman. Well played Spieth, though, in his first Ryder Cup.

Get involved

Steve Ashfield: With 8 GB and NI players in top 44 do we need this to be Europe v USA? If Europe keep winning the interest in this will wane.

Probably wouldn't be very popular with the French, the next European hosts of the Ryder Cup (in 2018) and whose Victor Dubuisson is potentially the next big thing on the continent.

Duncan Wainscott: Feel sorry for Fowler. Did very little wrong but got hit by a Rory tidal wave.

Ian Poulter v Webb Simpson

Ian Poulter, one up, with an eight-footer to double that advantage. It slides down easier than a Friday evening post-work drink.

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed

Henrik Stenson is wielding his three wood over his second shot at 16 and he has judged it perfectly. The ball shoots right onto the bullseye centre of the green.

Patrick Reed has followed suit with a pin-point effort of his own. Still all square as they stroll towards a pair of 20-foot-plus putts.

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

This top match is not cooked just yet. Graeme McDowell dumps his tee-shot on the par-three 17th into a right-hand bunker. Spieth's turn. And his is a solid effort. Onto the lower tier of the double-decker green, it is a wonder putt for a two, but McDowell has plenty of work for his up-down-and-par.

Get involved

Jamie in Leeds: Don't understand this criticism of Reed lacking class. Poulter was exactly the same at Medinah two years ago. It's the Ryder Cup, you need players like that to make it what it is.

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

AP

Jordan Spieth with a tricky, lumpy, bumpy 15-footer to win the 16th and move to one down. It is on the rollercoaster, going up and down the peaks and valleys, but finishes just short. A look of bewildered disbelief from the American.

Graeme McDowell jogs off to the 17th, two up, two to play.

Latest projected score: Europe 16½-11½ US.

Europe up

Sergio Garcia clings to Jim Furyk's coattails as he holes out to stay one down on nine. Thomas Bjorn meanwhile has started on the long road back to parity against Matt Kuchar, taking the 11th to move to three down.

Golf Channel's Jason Sobel: Rory McIlroy will become the first player to win two majors and a Ryder Cup in the same year since ... Tom Watson in 1977.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

"Thunderous applause and singing as Rory McIlroy completes his win against Rickie Fowler on the 14th. They're good mates, but Rickie seems shell-shocked and can only offer the briefest of congrats. "

One point that might be down the swanny for Europe is Thomas Bjorn's. The Dane is four down to Matt Kuchar after 10.

The United States are ahead in only three other matches - Patrick Reed (one up after 14), Jim Furyk (one up after eight) and Jimmy Walker (one up after six).

They need eight and a half points to take the trophy. The maths is not adding up for Tom Watson's men at the moment.

Singles latest scores

BBC

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth - Europe 2UP after 15

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed - USA 1UP after 14

Rory McIlroy beat Rickie Fowler 5&4

Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan - A/S after 13

Stephen Gallacher v Phil Mickelson - A/S after 12

Martin Kaymer v Bubba Watson - Europe 4UP after 12

Thomas Bjorn v Matt Kuchar - USA 4UP after 10

Sergio Garcia v Jim Furyk - USA 1UP after 8

Ian Poulter v Webb Simpson - Europe 1UP after 8

Jamie Donaldson v Keegan Bradley - Europe 2UP after 7

Lee Westwood v Jimmy Walker - USA 1UP after 6

Victor Dubuisson v Zach Johnson - A/S after 4

Ryder Cup trumps majors, says winner McIlroy

PA

Rory McIlroy on Sky Sports: "I was probably more up for this day than I was for the final two days of the majors this year. There was no option but to win. All week it has been a pleasure to play in front of these fans and these crowds. It's been amazing and I'm going to go and cheer on the rest of the boys now."

Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan

Bernard Gallacher

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live

That was a Seve type recovery. That's really helped Justin who was getting a bit worried after his drive. What a miraculous shot.

Rose hits from out of a thorny bush to gimme range on the par-four 13th, forcing Mahan to hole his birdie chip for a halve which doesn't drop.

Getty Images

That is the sort of shock-and-awe golf that you want to see from your world number one superstar.

Rory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler

Nicolas Colsaerts

Belgium's 2012 Ryder Cup player on BBC Radio 5 live

Rory was in control from the start and there was no way Rickie could compete with that. When you're up against McIlroy like that there's nothing you can do.

BreakingRory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler

Europe up

"Ole, ole, ole!" The crowd are crowing on the 14th green as Rickie Fowler slips his putt by and Rory McIlroy brings home the first point of the day for Europe.

Europe are 11-6 to the good on the scoreboard. It is 16.5 -11.5 when the matches still out on course are factored in.

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Gleneagles

PA

Remarkable turnaround from Graeme McDowell, who was a short putt away from going four holes down on the seventh to Jordan Spieth and is now in total command. From the grandstands at the back of the 13th spectators crane their necks through the scaffolding to watch him pull another leg off Spieth on the 15th green just behind. Skipper McGinley's tactic of sending his old pal out first has - eventually - turned out a treat."

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

Europe up

Graeme McDowell with two putts to go two up on Jordan Spieth on 15. He only needs the one. Down it goes and up the Northern Irishman moves.

Only three to play.

Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan

Justin Rose with an extraordinary recovery on 13, punching out from under the branches of a tree, curling the ball round and chasing it up onto the green and to within a couple of feet.

"That a bit of Seve for you," he tells a fairway camara.

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed

Europe up

Either way, Patrick Reed's post-match interview will be interesting viewing. Henrik Stenson has closed the gap to a hole on 13.

Get involved

CJ on text: Reed: awesome player but looks like he's completely devoid of any class whatsoever.

Ryder Cup crowds can't have it both ways. If you are going to get players revving up the cheers, then you might get some reacting to the jeers as well.

Rory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler

Europe up

Getty Images

Rory McIlroy has places to be. Maybe he has his eyes on a buggy seat alongside Sir Alex Ferguson. The former Manchester United boss is roaming Gleneagles on four wheels after an earlier chinwag with captain McGinley.

McIlory is making short work of his singles match so far - five up after 13 against Rickie Fowler.

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Gleneagles

In the stands around the 13th green, the man with mobile reception is king. Rumours and cheers sweep the course, but rock-solid facts about who's up and who's down are hard to find. It's like being at the best house party in the world, but constantly worrying you're in the wrong room. What just happened in the kitchen?

Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

"Hunter Mahan gets a let-off on the 13th green when Justin Rose misses a tiddler. The Englishman has scrapped back from four down but Mahan is revved up and walks off the green high-fiving a group of guys in Augusta-esque white caddie boiler suits and green caps. First spits of rain in the air."

Stephen Gallacher v Phil Mickelson

Europe up

Stephen Gallacher is wrestling his match against Phil Mickelson back his way, pulling back to all square at 11. There won't be many more popular point-winners if he makes it back to the clubhouse ahead.

Singles latest scores

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth - Europe 1UP after 14

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed - USA 1UP after 13

Rory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler - Europe 5UP after 13

Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan - USA 1UP after 12

Stephen Gallacher v Phil Mickelson - A/S after 11

Martin Kaymer v Bubba Watson - Europe 4UP after 9

Thomas Bjorn v Matt Kuchar - USA 3UP after 8

Sergio Garcia v Jim Furyk - USA 1UP after 7

Ian Poulter v Webb Simpson - USA 1UP after 6

Jamie Donaldson v Keegan Bradley - Europe 1UP after 5

Lee Westwood v Jimmy Walker - USA 1UP after 4

Victor Dubuisson v Zach Johnson - A/S after 2

What is going on at the bottom of the scoreboard you ask?

They could be the men under most pressure this afternoon and so far Victor Dubuisson and Zach Johnson are all square after three.

Elsewhere Lee Westwood is one down against Jimmy Walker through five and Jamie Donaldson is one up on Keegan Bradley.

Get involved

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Duncan Wainscott: Reed's antics are at polar opposites to Watson's ethos of winning with humility/losing with grace. A stern talking to ahead.

Daniel George Broda: Paddy Reed a breath of fresh air: young; passionate and most importantly, a really good golfer.

Jack Blackburn: The Ryder Cup scoreboard has started irresistibly undulating between red & blue, numbers rising & falling. Hooked for the day.

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed

Europe up

Henrik Stenson has reined in the rumbling Patrick Reed, taking a hole back at 13. None of the red-in-the-face celebrations of his opponent for the Swede. A little wave to the crowd, a half smile and on to the next.

The latest projected score has Europe winning the Cup 15-13.

BBC

They need only four points from today's matches to retain the trophy. The closest to banking those are Rory McIlroy (four up after 12), Martin Kaymer (four up after eight), Graeme McDowell (one up after 13) and Justin Rose (all square, but with all the momentum on 11).

Matt Kuchar thumps a fairway iron straight down the pipe to move three up on Thomas Bjorn, Stephen Gallacher drains a long-range putt to move back to one down against Phil Mickelson.

Balls dropping in all over the course, cheers echoing around the glens, so where do we stand overall?

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

Europe up

Graeme McDowell is also turning the tide. He goes ahead for the first time in his match against Jordan Spieth.

Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan

Europe up

Justin Rose has sneaked his approach up to within five feet. Hunter Mahan has a long 20 footer to try and match him... He can't and the comeback is complete. All square and even after 11 with the Englishman winning four holes in a row.

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed

USA up

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The serenity, calm and clear-mindedness of golf. Or if you are Patrick Reed, sheer fury washed down with a shot of adrenalin.

The American has knocked off two successive holes to go two up on Henrik Stenson and is bellowing once again.

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

Europe up

Jordan Spieth is being hauled back into a dog-fight by his ankles by Graeme McDowell. The fresh-faced youngster is now back level after 11.

Singles latest scores

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth - A/S after 12

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed - USA 1UP after 11

Rory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler - Europe 4UP after 11

Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan - USA 1UP after 10

Stephen Gallacher v Phil Mickelson - USA 2UP after 8

Martin Kaymer v Bubba Watson - Europe 4UP after 8

Thomas Bjorn v Matt Kuchar - USA 2UP after 7

Sergio Garcia v Jim Furyk - A/S after 6

Ian Poulter v Webb Simpson - A/S after 5

Jamie Donaldson v Keegan Bradley - A/S after 4

Lee Westwood v Jimmy Walker - USA 1UP after 3

Victor Dubuisson v Zach Johnson - A/S after 2

Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan

Europe up

AP

Justin Rose is on a rumble. Hunter Mahan's advantage is now down to a hole - it was up at four at one stage - after the Englishman wins his third successive hole at 10.

All 12 matches are out on course. Frenchman Victor Dubuisson and Zach Johnson have halved the first hole.

So if it all ended right now where would the Cup be heading? To Europe, but only just. Fourteen-all is the latest projected score.

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed

No doubt about the group surrounded by the most partisan atmosphere. Patrick Reed's swaggering off the 10th green like a prizefighter en route to the ring with Americans hooping and a'hollering all the way. The youngster looks ready to slug the next person who sarcastically shushes him.

Skipper Tom Watson could do with dispensing some calming words.

Even Henrik Stenson looks mildly animated by it all.

Martin Kaymer v Bubba Watson

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

"Bubba Watson has not had a great week at Gleneagles and the two-time Masters champion is on the receiving end of some German engineering here against Martin Kaymer. The self-confessed 'goofy' American escapes with a half on seven after Kaymer's long putt gets airborne and ends up way short, and Watson is helped on the way to the eighth tee by a little pat on the backside from wife Angie."

Get involved

Jonathan Stanger: Supposed to be relaxing on the beach in Sorrento but the nerves are kicking in! Come on Europe.

Andrew Priestley: The G-Mac fightback is gathering momentum. It's been a great 30 minute spell for Europe.

Jasonboswell: Love the way the crowd are sarcastically shushing Reed now.

Sergio Garcia v Jim Furyk

USA up

Jim Furyk sinks a long putt on five and he is back to all square against Sergio Garcia.

Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan

Europe up

Justin Rose has given himself a Munro to climb, slipping to four down after six but the expedition has started.

The Englishman, in electric form yesterday, has made his way back to two down at the turn.

Stephen Gallacher v Phil Mickelson

USA up

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Phil Mickelson sent captain Tom Watson a text yesterday pleading for his chance to play. He is backing up his keypad words with on-course action so far - Lefty is two to the good against Stephen Gallacher after eight.

Martin Kaymer v Bubba Watson

Martin Kaymer's golf was a little bit 'meh' yesterday, but there has been some razzle-dazzle to his play today. Bubba Watson has managed to get a toe-hold in their match though, nicking the seventh to move to three adrift.

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Gleneagles

"McDowell on the charge, and with every European putt that drops the roars bounce around the hills and grassy alleys of the Centenary course. It's classic Sunday Showdown stuff - action on 12 holes, momentum swinging one way then the other, the whiff of panic in the air and a churn in the guts that won't say goodbye."

Stephen Gallacher v Phil Mickelson

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

PA

"Stephen Gallacher has his work cut out if he is to recreate a Phillip Price moment and beat Phil Mickelson but the local lad, playing only his second match of the week, is scrapping away against the US superstar. Gallacher is urged every length of the fairways by countrymen imploring "Come on, Stevie". They share a half at seven after some typical Mickelson magic, getting down in two from a steep bank, and the American walks off grinning his grin. Gallacher follows, nodding to a couple of familiar faces as he passes."

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

Andrew Magee

American PGA Tour winner on BBC Radio 5 live

McDowell is finding his game, he's hot. An amazing change here, I think Jordan got a little foolish on the last green by three-putting.

McDowell birdies the par-four 11th to reduce the arrears to a single hole having been three down at one stage.

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

Europe up

The GMac comeback is rolling. The Northern Irishman rolls in from eight feet and gives his bicep a workout as he uppercuts the air in delight.

One down with seven to play against Jordan Spieth.

BBC

Neither Graeme McDowell nor Jordan Spieth have tasted defeat in this year's Ryder Cup so far. Will something give today?

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed

Andrew Cotter

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at Gleneagles

The crowd were 'shhhing' Patrick Reed on the ninth, they're having a bit of a battle with him.

Reed found water with his second on the par-five ninth and Stenson took advantage to level the match.

Stephen Gallacher v Phil Mickelson

Sandy Lyle

Five-time European Ryder Cup player on BBC Radio 5 live

"I think Stephen might be a little bit miffed because he didn't get the chance to play after Friday morning but use it to your advantage. He's fresh and ready for this singles match."

Sergio Garcia v Jim Furyk

Europe up

Jim Furyk looks on mournfully as his putt slides past and he wearily concedes to put Sergio Garcia one hole to the good.

Singles latest scores

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth - USA 2UP after 10

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed - A/S after 9

Rory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler - Europe 4UP after 8

Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan - USA 3UP after 8

Stephen Gallacher v Phil Mickelson - USA 1UP after 7

Martin Kaymer v Bubba Watson - Europe 4UP after 6

Thomas Bjorn v Matt Kuchar - USA 1UP after 5

Sergio Garcia v Jim Furyk - Europe 1UP after 4

Ian Poulter v Webb Simpson - A/S after 2

Jamie Donaldson v Keegan Bradley - A/S after 1

Lee Westwood v Jimmy Walker - A/S after 1

Rory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler

Rory McIlroy is well in his groove. The world number one is bulldozing his way through Rickie Fowler and there is no let up as he launches a peach of an approach at nine.

It is feeling like the wind is now in Europe's sails.

Sergio Garcia v Jim Furyk

Sergio Garcia, with the flourish of a matador, slaps one to within two feet on four.

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed

Europe up

Patrick Reed may be regretting that 'shushing' gesture at the European fans earlier in his round. News of it has spread around the course like wildfire and the home fans give it right back to him as he drops a hole and Henrik Stenson moves to all square at the turn.

Europe up

A superb opening stint from Andy Cryer, Mike Henson taking over and I come bearing good news for Europe.

Justin Rose has nibbled back to 3 down on eight while Jordan Spieth sends a twitchy putt by the hole to allow Graeme McDowell back to two down on 10.

Martin Kaymer v Bubba Watson

Europe up

Martin Kaymer holes again from about eight feet on six to move four up over Bubba Watson. Bubba just doesn't seem at home in the Ryder Cup. We could be getting a few early finishes this afternoon.

@rydercupusa

Ryder Cup Team USA: We like seeing that red! let's #GoUSA!

EPA

How can Tom Watson leave Captain America back in the team room for all three days? Criminal.

Great golf from Justin Rose and Hunter Mahan on eight as they both give themselves makeable birdie putts. Rose is four down but hasn't done much wrong at one under for his round.

Ian Poulter birdies the second to level with Webb Simpson, after he duffs a putt from a few feet.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

Getty Images

"Justin Rose has been Europe's rock this week but in Hunter Mahan he is up against an opponent that can not only play, but has unfinished business in the Ryder Cup. On his last appearance, at Celtic Manor in 2010, it was his duffed chip on 17 that handed the Cup to Europe.

"Mahan broke down in tears in the news conference afterwards and Phil Mickelson had to come to his rescue. But he's giving Rose a torrid time here. The Englishman seems relaxed enough about his current predicament and walks off the seventh chatting to a policeman."

Graeme McDowell and Jordan Spieth birdie the par-five ninth. Spieth stays three up. Mickelson holes his tiddler for birdie on six to move ahead of Gallacher. Europe beware, the United States are coming.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

"Rickie Fowler has had a great year, finishing top five in all four majors, but it seems he has come up against a different class of player in Rory McIlroy. Still, he grabbed a hole back at the seventh and walked off to shouts of 'Stay strong, Rickie' from a posse of US fans. He caught their eyes and nodded and US vice-captain Andy North put his arm around him as they headed for the eighth tee."

Get involved

Jamie Millar: Patrick Reed proving to be the Americans' Ian Poulter. A bit worried that the USA team are developing a bit of momentum here

Theresa: Never thought I'd be watching golf on a Sunday, it's all getting a bit feisty and tense

Lucas Wheat: Americans starting to apply pressure here, this one is going to the wire

Martin Kaymer v Bubba Watson

Europe up

Kaymer makes his birdie putt on five and is three up on an out of sorts Bubba.

Thomas Bjorn pulls his match with Matt Kuchar level but Phil Mickelson in prime position to move one up on Stephen Gallacher on six. His tee shot is about five feet away, while Gallacher faces a mammoth putt for birdie.

Martin Kaymer take a bow. Brilliant approach leaves him with about six feet for birdie on five. He's already leading Bubba by two.

America are making a fight of this. Up in six and just down in two matches. We could be in for an interesting afternoon.

BBC Radio 5 live

AP

The mother of Jordan Spieth, Chris, speaking to Iain Carter: "He started playing about 10, then at age 12 he was on the national circuit but without a coach so we hired a swing coach. He's still with him now.

"We're a very tight-knit family. He has a teenage sister with special needs. She couldn't care less whether he wins or loses. To her he wins every time. Our trophies are all in the attic. They could be in the house but we don't want them on display."

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed

USA up

Stenson is taking his time over his putt from distance on eight for birdie. The ball breaks to the left and slides past the hole. Patrick Reed replies by sinking from a similar distance. Boy, is he pumped.

Ian Poulter lips out from a few feet for bogey on the first to drop a shot to Webb Simpson. Some American momentum perhaps as Phil Mickelson levels with Stephen Gallacher on five.

Martin Kaymer sinks a tiddler to move two up over Bubba Watson after four. Jim Furyk, leading Sergio Garcia after the first, is in the water with his second on the second.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

Getty Images

"Oh my word. We have a new pantomime villain and his name is Patrick Reed. Pumped doesn't even come close. The American follows in a Henrik Stenson birdie, triggering fist pumps and roars, after which he turns to the crowd with his finger over his mouth doing the 'ssshhhhh' thing. He gets a decent boo for his efforts and marches off roaring and high fiving American fans in the crowd. Keep an eye in him - could be fireworks later."

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

Spieth for birdie from six feet on eight and in it goes. A rather unwelcome 'boom' is shouted from somewhere. McDowell from similar distance and this time sinks it. Hole halved.

America take the advantage in another match as Matt Kuchar goes one up over Thomas Bjorn through two. Mahan stretches his lead over Rose to four after six.

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed

Karen Stupples

Solheim Cup winner on BBC Radio 5 live

"That's the first boo I've heard all week. We've heard the 'Kuuuch' for Matt Kuchar but no genuine boos."

Reed puts his finger to his lips to silence the Scottish galleries on seven after going all square with Stenson.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

"Jordan Spieth misses a tiddler on the seventh and slaps his thigh but the American is still in control and walks past me in the chute to the eighth looking way more assured, focused and confident than your average 21-year-old. Graeme McDowell, sent out first because of his heart and because he's a 'fighter', according to Paul McGinley, strides past catching the eyes of fans. He's got a fight on here, though."

USA up

Mahan rolls home a six-footer to stretch his lead to three over Justin Rose. Great stuff from the Hunter. Jim Furyk also steals a lead over Sergio Garcia on the first.

Patrick Reed puts his fingers to his lips and taunts the crowds after holing for birdie on seven. Some real fire from the youngster there as he matches Stenson's three for half. They stay all square.

Reuters

Worth bringing your spikes as a fan.

If there is an outbreak of vomiting virus among the European team, you could get a call-up.

If not, you can always use them like crampons to climb the trees for a better view.

Record breaker?

As McIlroy goes five up against Rickie Fowler it's time to dust off the Ryder Cup record book. In 18-hole matches (36-hole matches were once the norm) the worst singles loss is 8&7, twice: in 1989, Tom Kite of the US beat Howard Clark and in 1987 Fred Couples of the US beat Ian Woosnam.

John Murray

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at Gleneagles

Rory has his game face on as he walks past me, nods as if to say 'Yeah, yeah baby.'

Rory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler

Europe up

Does he ever miss? MciIlroy rolls home from eight feet for birdie two on six. Poor old Fowler can't do anything to put out this storm. Four birdies and an eagle on Rory's card so far.

Singles latest scores

Getty Images

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth - USA 3UP after 7

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed - A/S after 6

Rory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler - Europe 5UP after 6

Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan - USA 2UP after 4

Stephen Gallacher v Phil Mickelson - Europe 1UP after 3

Martin Kaymer v Bubba Watson - A/S after 2

Thomas Bjorn v Matt Kuchar - A/S after 1

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

A long, long birdie putt for McDowell on seven. Pushes it close but par may not be enough with Spieth putting for birdie from eight feet. The ball just rolls wide and a half it is.

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed

The sixth is conceded to Reed after Stenson pushes his par putt from five feet past the hole. Reed had a birdie chance but isn't made to play. Back to all square.

Rory McIlroy v Ricke Fowler

Europe up

McIlroy is steamrolling Fowler. Another birdie. This one could be over quickly.

Get involved

@GarrettHickey

Andrew Turner on Twitter: Bathgate golf club cheering on their very own Stephen Gallacher

Where are you watching the final day's action? Send us a picture on #bbcrydercup.

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed

Stenson not happy on the par-three sixth as he leaves himself work to do for par. His ball lies in the rough to the right of the green. Patrick Reed takes advantage as he lands his ball less than 10 feet from the hole. That should settle the American's nerves after what has been a shaky start.

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Stephen Gallacher v Phil Mickelson

Alistair Bruce-Ball

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at Gleneagles

That will really settle the nerves of Gallacher. What a wonderful putt.

Scot Gallacher holes out for birdie on the par-five second to go 1 up.

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

Spieth almost chips in with his second as he lips out. Looked in all the way but chance for McDowell to pull a much-needed shot back. A little more than 10 feet from the hole, he takes his time, stands over the putt, and slides by to the right. Half and McDowell has a lot of work to do.

Getty Images

Sunday's singles latest scores:

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth - USA 3UP after 5

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed - Europe 1UP after 4

Rory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler - Europe 3UP after 4

Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan - USA 2UP after 2

Stephen Gallacher v Phil Mickelson - Europe 1UP after 2

Martin Kaymer v Bubba Watson - A/S after 1

Stephen Gallacher v Phil Mickelson

Europe up

Impressive from the rookie. Gallacher holes from 16 feet for birdie as he steals the march on Mickelson. The home favourite is cheered to the second.

Graeme McDowell has a bit of luck on six as his tee shot lands in the rough to the right of the green before slowly bouncing and rolling back towards the flag. Birdie chance to get back to two down.

Nine-times major winner Gary Player of South Africa: Exercise done. Green juice done. Time to watch some golf.

2010 Ryder Cup winner Edoardo Molinari: This is the coolest thing about this Ryder Cup! Justin Rose on the way to the 1st tee giving a fist pump to Seve!

Watson and Kaymer both have birdie chances on one. Both sink to halve the hole. On the fourth McIlroy holes a clutch putt to halve with Fowler and stay three up.

Getty Images

The first pictures have arrived of Sir Alex Ferguson's attempt at an Olazabal jig on the first tee.

It could be a good sign, it could be a bad sign, but he is certainly a head-turner on the dancefloor.

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

USA up

McDowell looks out of sorts. He misses a putt from five feet for par on five, after a mediocre bunker shot. Didn't even trouble the hole. Spieth was already home for par and the youngster's fine Ryder Cup form continues.

Stenson stays one ahead of Reed with a good two putt on four. McDowell struggling for par on five as Spieth rolls his birdie putt stone dead. The American could soon be three up.

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Nicholas Clemmow: Team Europe have been a joy to watch! You can see the team togetherness and this has been seen all week

Will Swarbrick: I hope Stenson has a big day. Great ball striker and the passion we need. Maybe this can be the springboard to a major as well

Rory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler

Nicolas Colsaerts

Belgium's 2012 Ryder Cup player on BBC Radio 5 live

"Rickie Fowler is totally cornered here, it's like he's been punched a few times."

Rory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler

Europe up

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McIlroy again. The world number one is racing away from a stunned Fowler as he goes three up after three. Fowler makes bogey, leaving McIlroy to make a safe par.

Europe up in two and down in two. Good enough so far.

Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan

USA up

Not a good start for Rose as he falls two behind to Mahan. The American had two putts for the hole and makes no mistake.

Meanwhile Bubba Watson is enjoying himself on the first as he revels in the atmosphere.

Stephen Gallacher v Phil Mickelson

Mickelson isn't able to birdie from 15 feet leaving Gallacher the opportunity to take the early advantage - he misses from five feet as he it slides by the right. A tough one to take for the Scot.

BBC Radio 5 live

Former American Ryder Cup golfer Stewart Cink has been fairly frank about his views on his country's performance so far.

Speaking on Sportsweek on BBC Radio 5 live, he said: "The afternoon foursomes have been a disaster.

"Fans are in America are continuing to scratch their heads and search for answers - answers that probably don't exist.

"Winning breeds more breeding. It is so hard to get the snake off your shoulders when you've lost. It is the kind of momentum that lasts from Ryder Cup to Ryder Cup, from session to session."

McDowell v Spieth

Andrew Magee

American PGA Tour winner on BBC Radio 5 live

It's very tough to get it back in match play. Suddenly you've only got a 12 or 13-hole tournament and you need to make birdies.

McDowell has started slowly for Europe though a well-halved par on the fourth could get him going.

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

A mammoth birdie putt on four for McDowell and he doesn't handle it well as he goes well past the hole. Spieth misses his birdie though and the Irishman keeps his calm to halve.

On three Stenson halves with Reed, while Gallacher sets up a birdie chance with a stunning approach on one. Mickelson is further back on the green.

Alistair Bruce-Ball

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at Gleneagles

What an opportunity for Stephen Gallacher, nothing to lose against Phil Mickelson in his 10th Ryder Cup.

Mickelson starts well off the first tee while local man Gallacher, after a rousing reception, smokes one down the first as he hopes to echo Welshman Phillip Price in 2002 who beat the five-times major winning American.

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Unprecedented scenes of enthusiasm for all things Europe in the stands at Gleneagles.

If David Cameron wanted to time an EU referendum for a 'in' vote, tomorrow morning would be a good option.

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Stephen Gallacher v Phil Mickelson

How will Phil Mickelson respond to being dropped completely from yesterday's play? He looks like he means business as he finds the centre of the fairway on the first. Stephen Gallacher, yet to score in the Ryder Cup, is also safely away.

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Sunday's singles latest scores:

11:36: Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth - USA 2UP after 3

11:48: Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed - Europe 1UP after 2

12:00: Rory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler - Europe 2UP after 2

12:12: Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan - USA 1UP after 1

Rory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler

Europe up

Rory McIlroy is on fire and follows his birdie on one with another on the second. He had two shots for the hole and Fowler concedes, so that will go down as an eagle on the card. McIlroy is leading by example.

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

USA up

Graeme McDowell can't get up and down from the bunker for par on three. Spieth makes his par and steals another shot.

The bunker on the first is looking hungry this morning as Rose is the latest to find it. No such problem for Mahan though who brilliantly stops his ball just feet from the flag. Should be America's hole.

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed

AP

It hasn't been that pretty so far this morning. Perhaps the nerves are getting to both sides. McDowell is in the bunker for three on the third but Spieth finds the centre of the green. Still some work to do for both to save par though.

As expected Stenson goes one up over Reed after two. A hole to forget for the young American.

Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan

Justin Rose has been in stunning form so far with three wins and a fighting half yesterday afternoon. He isn't so happy with his start today as he finds the rough on the right on the first. Looks to be fine though. Hunter Mahan is safely away.

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John via text: Rickie Fowler is a great match-play golfer, his singles match with Rory will be a Ryder Cup classic.

Nicolas Colsaerts

Belgium's 2012 Ryder Cup player on BBC Radio 5 live

That's a shaky start for Fowler, that was a good chance. Rickie's not going to like that at all.

Fowler duffs his chip from the back of the first and McIlroy drains his birdie putt. Advantage world number one.

Rory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler

Europe up

Reuters

Europe strike straight back as McIlroy rolls in a birdie on the first. Fowler had fluffed his third from the edge of the green, hitting the floor first, and Rory shows no mercy.

Meanwhile Patrick Reed is in all sorts of trouble on the second. He has chipped across the green and is in now the bunker for four. Looks like Stenson is about to go one up.

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

USA up

First blow to the United States. Spieth continues his impressive Ryder Cup debut by rolling home a birdie from eight feet on two. McDowell can't make his and Americans are one up.

Rory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler

'Go Rickie' is screamed by a sole American voice from the crowd and go he does as he lands his approach on one on the edge of the green. McIlroy does even better though as he sets up a very makeable birdie.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

"Patrick Reed may be a rookie but he's got bags of attitude and is taking the fight to the Euro fans. They shout 'fore' at the end of each practice swing but he eventually stops midway, looks up and wags his finger. A bit of cheeky chat too, but he won't do a dance. Henrik Stenson is called upon to do one and obliges with some sort of '80s effort."

McDowell is short with his second on two as his pitch from the rough leaves him a long putt for birdie. Should have done better there.

John Murray

BBC Radio 5 live commentator at Gleneagles

Henrik Stenson was mouthing the words to his new song on the first tee, you had to laugh.

Get your ABBA outfit on this Sunday am, have a listen to the Henrik Stenson song, and enjoy the golf.

Reuters

Rory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler

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Rory McIlroy does a little jig on the first tee - a little premature perhaps? Fowler's eyes look glazed with a steely determination but that doesn't stop him finding the left rough. McIlroy, yet to really shine at Gleneagles, is in perfect position on the fairway as chants of Europe start up again.

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed

Stenson solidly out of the bunker on one but Reed cranks up the pressure by putting his shot from the sand stone dead. A tester for the Swede coming up. No mistakes from big Henrik though as he rolls home for a half.

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Gleneagles

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This could be a first - not that Sir Alex Ferguson is by the first tee, having delivered the rabble-rousing pre-Cup speech to the European team, but that when the crowd ask him to a dance, he actually complies. Quite grandad at wedding, if you 're interested in his form. 'Come back Fergie!" implores one sad-voiced Red.

US captain Tom Watson has no fears about youngsters Spieth and Reed leading the charge: "The old guys are the players who have the nerves. Everybody on the team has belief. Last night in the team room the spirit was really high and the main thing I said is everybody stay focused on their match. I told them to concentrate on the early holes and get some red on the board."

And on Mickelson, Watson added: "Phil is definitely fired up today; he's got that look in his eye."

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed

Another American ball in the right hand bunker around the first green as Reed follows Spieth into the trap. Chance for Stenson? Nope, he is also in the same bunker. A busy day for the man with the rake perhaps.

BBC Radio 5 live

ESPN analyst and former caddie Michael Collins: "Tom Watson won't be allowed in the United States for a little while. He's wondering if he can take up Canadian citizenship.

"There's always a chance. But part of the problem, you've got to be liquid and change things. Tom said on Thursday the guys that play well on Friday morning will play in the afternoon. Guess who went out and played well? That was mistake number one."

Rookies Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed were the form men for the away side in Friday's morning fourballs, downing Ian Poulter and Stephen Gallacher 5&4. They didn't figure in Friday afternoon's foursomes, leaving many Americans wondering why. The duo combined nicely on Saturday as well, winning their fourballs and halving their foursomes.

Spieth is first out in the singles and Reed is second out.

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Rob G on text: Despite leading 10-6, let us not forgot that only 3 of those points came from best ball! The Americans will be licking their lips at the prospect of taking on players that have been well below sub par over 18 holes (Poults, Gallacher, Kaymer, Bjorn, Sergio). With most if then in the middle order, those first games are looking crucial for either side.

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

Spieth holes a clutch putt for par as the first is halved. Good recovery from the American.

Spieth though is in trouble from his tee shot on two as he goes wayward to the right. McDowell just off the fairway.

Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed

Henrik Stenson and Patrick Reed make the almost gladiatorial walk to the first tee. America captain Tom Watson has put his faith in his youngest players first after their impressive performances this week. Reed though finds the rough on the left on the first while Stenson smashes one down the middle. Europe have started well.

Bernard Gallacher

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live

Both captains will be saying 'remember Medinah' for different reasons. Tom Watson because 'We can still do it'. McGinley because 'Do not think the guy behind you can win the Ryder Cup. You are the guy who can win the Ryder Cup'. That's I think why he's started with Graeme McDowell, that never say die spirit.

Iain Carter

BBC golf correspondent on Radio 5 live

Red trousers for a red letter day for the United States. They've spoken about redemption ever since the appointment of Tom Watson. And they start with a super tee shot from this nerveless man from Texas, Jordan Spieth.

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

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Nicely out of the bunker by Spieth on the first to give him a shortish putt for par. McDowell though is on his haunches lining up his birdie putt. What an early blow this would land for Europe. Can he sink it? Almost. He thought he had done it but the ball rolls around the edge and back out. So close.

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

McDowell, sporting his European blue blazer, with his approach to the first. Will the pressure of leading his side out get to him? It would seem not as he lands plump on the green some 15 feet from the flag. The roars from the crowd will have been heard all over the course.

Spieth can't follow suit and his iron shot fails to make the green and rolls back into the sand. A sign of things to come? European fans will hope so.

Twice Ryder Cup player Paul Lawrie: Team Europe been magnificent so far led very well by captain McGinley. Now time to finish the job , all the best lads bring it home.

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Chris, Isle of Wight: Europe will get it done early - but jumpers war already over!

Europe have a shimmering blue jumper with a white and yellow patch on the right shoulder. No sign of the American knitwear yet.

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Gleneagles

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"Three times the noise and fun around the first tee as there was on the opening morning. The mood is so raucous it's verging on triumphalist. The possibility of a reverse Miracle of Medinah - a Gobsmacking In The Glens - doesn't seem to have entered anyone's mind. Sporting logic or horrible hubris?"

Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth

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The galleries are packed around the first tee as European fans look to roar their heroes to victory. The obligatory 'Ole, Ole, Ole' is sung as are a few more questionable songs to random pop songs. Chanting to golf is still a little bit difficult to get used to.

The final day is underway. Spieth strikes one safely down the fairway while McDowell follows him. Comfy? Good. Enjoy the ride.

Bernard Gallacher

Three-time European Ryder Cup captain on BBC Radio 5 live

I'm a negative person on the golf course, the glass is always half empty for me. But there's no Jason Dufner, no Tiger Woods, no Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson's a little bit off. The big players are on our side and they've got to deliver today.

Saturday afternoon definitely belonged to Europe as they won the afternoon's foursomes 3½-½ to move to within four points of retaining the trophy.

Paul McGinley's men lost the morning's fourballs 2½-1½ before making it 7-1 in foursomes matches over two days. Europe captain Paul McGinley was left soaking up praise last night, while his American counterpart Tom Watson was the subject of much criticism.

Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley were left out of all of Saturday's play - Mickelson even sent a text to his skipper pleading to play. No such problems for Watson today - they all play.

Graeme McDowell and Jordan Spieth are on the first tee. Here we go........

BBC Radio 5 live

Don't forget you can listen to the action with the BBC as well as watching it on our live text commentary.

BBC Radio 5 live will be with you all day, available online, on digital TVs and via the BBC Sport and BBC Radio apps.

Fire in the hole! We've got to 'smoke them out', says Watson

BBC Radio 5 live

US captain Tom Watson: "It's up to the players, the actors to go out and act. They haven't acted well enough, we've got to smoke them out, take them out early. My players exude the confidence that says they can do this."

Watson is still talking the talk but can his player walk the walk? We will find out soon with action getting underway in just more than five minutes.

Ryder Cup Team EUR: Dear Rory McIlroy. Just to confirm your tee time is 12.00pm (midday). That's 12pm. Sincerely, Europe.

Golf fans everywhere breathe a huge sigh of relief. McIlroy nearly missed his tee time at Medinah after getting his time zones mixed up.

Asked if there have been many mentions of his infamous alarm clock mishap of two years ago, Rory McIlroy tells Sky Sports: "There have been a quite a few. Even Paul (McGinley) pointed it out last night. I had a great night's sleep last night and I was in the gym early this morning. I'm ready to go."

Sir Alex Ferguson's message to McGinley

BBC Radio 5 live

Europe captain Paul McGinley: "I'm obviously nervous. It wouldn't be the Ryder Cup if you weren't nervous. We're like great race horses anticipating a great race, on edge. We've a lot of experience in the team room and I asked Lee Westwood to speak in the team room last night. He reiterated the points I've made and came up with some new ones as well. We got a message from Sir Alex Ferguson. Complacency equals concentration. They'll come at us this morning and we need to be ready.

"I've shaken up the order a little bit. I didn't want to ask Graeme and Martin to bring up the rear again, it's a lot of pressure. I know after holing the winning putt in 2002 when I was playing number 12.

"I got Graeme drawn with Victor this summer on the European Tour so they could get to know each other and they've played incredibly well together."

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

"Super bouncy on the first tee. Crowd in full voice. The terrace singers are finally here. Prolonged rendition of 'We're the left side, we're the right side, we're the middle, you're the fairway', Flower of Scotland, conducted by Sam Torrance, taunting and cheers for Hazel Irvine as she films her opening link on the fairway, 'Where's your Tiger gone', 'you've got Big Mac, we've got G Mac' and other such classics. Olazabal turns up and gets the best 'ole, ole, ole' of the week. He waves his cap around and then recreates the famous jig from Muirfield Village when Europe won in 1987."

The pairings

So 24 men on the golf course. 12 points to play for. Here is how the pairings look for the final showdown.

11:36: Graeme McDowell v Jordan Spieth , 11:48: Henrik Stenson v Patrick Reed, 12:00: Rory McIlroy v Rickie Fowler, 12:12: Justin Rose v Hunter Mahan, 12:24: Stephen Gallacher v Phil Mickelson, 12:36: Martin Kaymer v Bubba Watson, 12:48: Thomas Bjorn v Matt Kuchar, 13:00: Sergio Garcia v Jim Furyk, 13:12: Ian Poulter v Webb Simpson, 13:24: Jamie Donaldson v Keegan Bradley, 13:36: Lee Westwood v Jimmy Walker, 13:48: Victor Dubuisson v Zach Johnson

"Complacency", "focus", "not taking anything for granted", "Medinah", all buzz words coming from the European camp this morning.

They will know deep down the Ryder Cup is now theirs to lose but there will be a few Americans out there with a point to prove.

PA

Not least Phil Mickelson, who spent all of yesterday as a spectator. He wasn't happy - as proved by his pleading text to skipper Tom Watson - and rookie Stephen Gallacher could have a difficult afternoon coming up against him.

View from America

The headline in one New York Times Ryder Cup article today reads "Tom Watson Not Showing the Same Steadiness He Did as a Player".

Journalist Karen Crouse goes on to write "Watson does not have a close relationship with the players he would be leading. A crucial quality for any leader is to have the constancy of his convictions, which Watson did not."

Will Europe slip up? Not according to New York Times writer Christopher Clarey: "The odds and momentum, however, are clearly in Europe's favor. They have a crowd of more than 40,000 behind them.

"And unlike at Medinah, where Ian Poulter and the Europeans regained a bit of mojo before Sunday by racking up points and birdies on Saturday afternoon, the Americans failed to win any matches Saturday afternoon."

Back pages

Independent

It will be no surprise to see the likes of Justin Rose & co plastered all over the back pages of the British media today with Europe expected to complete the job.

Mail on Sunday

The mood is less positive across the pond though.......

Newspaper round-up

What have the newspapers had to say this morning?

AP

The Sunday Telegraph asks if the USA's "ghastly" jumper and hat combinations on Saturday were (a) unwanted Christmas gifts or (b) the result of a lost bet?

Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke, writing in The Sun on Sunday, said he will never forget the "crushing blow" of Europe giving up a 10-6 lead in Brookline in 1999. "That was a feeling I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, never mind another group of European players."

While The Mail on Sunday informs us that the golden sand in the American-style bunkers at Gleneagles is not from one of Scotland's finest beaches or the Arabian Gulf - but is a combination of two different sands quarried from the land over in Fife.

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Gleneagles

"No question about it - noisier this morning around Gleneagles than it has been all week. From the smiles and backslaps you'd think the Pummelling In Perthshire was a nailed-on cert, but wise old Ryder Cup sages would suggest that there'll be plenty of squeaks before any corks can be popped. US captain Tom Watson has talked all week about wanting redemption for what happened in Medinah two years ago, and here is his chance; the difference this time is that it is Europe with the momentum, rather than the away side on the charge."

Get involved

This is the part where you can get involved. We want to hear what you think about The United States's chances. Can they pull off the improbable? Who will be the key players out there?

Also tell us about some of your most memorable comebacks in sport.

Tweet #bbcrydercup, text 81111 (UK users only) or post on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Medinah isn't the only example of four-point leads being overturned.

The US overturned the same advantage in Brookline in 1999, having so nearly done it from 10½-5½ down at Valderrama two years before.

You can bet your bottom dollar, skipper Tom Watson will have been quoting from the history books last night in order to install belief into his men.

It may be advantage Europe but anything can happen in the Ryder Cup - that is why we love it.

Rob Hodgetts

BBC Sport at Gleneagles

"Gleneagles already rocking. Ten deep behind the practice range, thunderous songs and cheers coming from the first tee. And that's with an hour to go before kick-off. The air is warm, the clouds are benign and there's a festival atmosphere. Sounds like this crowd are in the mood to roar Europe to the earliest possible win."

This time though, the boot is on the other foot.

It is America trailing Europe by four points going into the final day's singles at Gleneagles. It is America looking down and out and it is America needing their own version of 'the miracle at Medinah'.

Four points are standing between Europe and an eighth Samuel Ryder trophy in the last 10 meetings. Easy.......... or maybe not.

We will have live text commentary of all the action. So stick with us.

AFP

On 30 September 2012, 12 European golfers had been written off. They were told their dreams were over, pride was all there was to play for.

The next day at Medinah, Jose Maria Olazabal's men proved everyone wrong. A four-point deficit was turned into a famous Ryder Cup victory.

Lightning doesn't strike twice though. Does it?