Rookie Jon Rahm produced a pivotal victory over Tiger Woods and history-maker Francesco Molinari fittingly secured the winning point as Europe regained the Ryder Cup.
Europe’s 10-6 overnight lead meant they needed just four and a half points from the 12 singles matches for a ninth win in the last 12 biennial contests, but Justin Thomas gave Jim Furyk’s side an early boost with victory over Rory McIlroy in the opening match.
And when Webb Simpson beat Justin Rose 3&2 and Tony Finau thrashed the previously unbeaten Tommy Fleetwood 6&4, the gap was down to a single point and American hopes of a repeat of the comeback at Brookline in 1999 were very much alive.
Europe captain Thomas Bjorn lifts the Ryder Cup after their 17½-10½ victory over the USA in the 2018 tournament
The victorious European team get ready for the trophy presentation after winning the 2018 Ryder Cup against the USA
Ian Poulter takes a selfie with Jon Rahm as the European team got suited and booted for the trophy presentation
The beaten American team cut unhappy figures as they watched the closing ceremony on the 18th green
Molinari is mobbed by fans and team-mates after winning at the 17th hole to claim the 2018 Ryder Cup
Francesco Molinari receives a warm embrace from Europe captain Thomas Bjorn after clinching victory
Team Europe gather together and celebrate after claiming the Ryder Cup for the first time in four years
Tommy Feetwood leaps up on the shoulders of compatriot Ian Poulter as they make the most of victory
Tommy Fleetwood is serenaded by European fans around the course at Le Golf National after victory on Sunday
Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia savour the moment after both secured victories in their singles matches
Victory was handed to Europe when Phil Mickelson conceded defeat to Francesco Molinari on the 17th hole
Ian Poulter dressed up as a postbox after helping deliver another Ryder Cup triumph for Europe over the United States
Europe’s English contingent Paul Casey, Ian Poulter, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose celebrate victory
Moments after Phil Mickelson conceded his match to Francesco Molinari, the Italian ran to celebrate with the fans
Molinari was soaked in drink as the European fans celebrated reclaiming the Ryder Cup for the first time in four years
However, Thorbjorn Olesen, who was left out of Saturday’s action by fellow Dane and Europe captain Thomas Bjorn, then thrashed three-time major winner Jordan Spieth 5&4 and Rahm picked a perfect time to win his first match and leave Woods without a single point.
Two up with three to play, Rahm handed Woods a lifeline by three-putting the 16th, but then smashed a wonderful 356-yard drive down the 17th and hit his approach to three feet to set up a winning birdie.
‘There is a lot going on for me right now,’ Rahm said. ‘The memory of Seve (Ballesteros) and my grandpa, who would have loved to be here, who passed away at the (US) PGA.
‘To beat Tiger, one of the all-time greats, if not the greatest, on the Sunday, at a pivotal point, it is the best feeling of my life.’
With several matches on the verge of finishing in Europe’s favour it was just a case of who would secure the winning point and Ian Poulter took his side to the brink of victory by beating world number one Dustin Johnson on the 18th.
And fittingly it was Molinari who had the honour of officially securing the win, beating Phil Mickelson 4&2 when the American dumped his tee shot into the water on the 16th to suffer a record 22nd defeat in the contest.
Molinari becomes the first European player to compile a perfect 5-0 record in the contest, with American Larry Nelson the only other to do so in 1979.
Molinari, who became the first Italian to win a major championship in July’s Open at Carnoustie, said: ‘It means so much, more than majors, more than anything. It’s hard not to get emotional.
‘They had probably the strongest team ever and we were just so good, it is unreal.
‘I just tried to do things well and be professional. Today it was hard to get the energy but I stepped it up when I had to.’
Bjorn added: ‘They have been amazing, the 12 of them, unbelievable. They were determined to set out and do the job themselves and for me it was an easy job to guide them in that direction.
Alex Noren celebrates with Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter after sinking a monster putt to seal a 17½-10½ victory for Europe
Ian Poulter clenches his fist in celebration after beating world No 1 Dustin Johnson in their singles match
Francesco Molinari celebrates going 3up on the fifth hole during his singles match against Phil Mickelson
Spaniard Jon Rahm roars in celebration after sinking his putt to defeat Tiger Woods in their singles match
Rahm is embraced by his caddie Adam Hayes as he comes to terms with his success on the final day at Le Golf National
Thorbjorn Olesen upset Jordan Spieth 5&4 to win his first Ryder Cup point and move Europe two points ahead of USA
‘Experience when you come in with the right attitude produces special things.
‘It was getting tight a little bit but I had belief and faith in this team that they were going to deliver and they delivered more than they should have.’
United States captain Jim Furyk admitted his team had lost to the better side.
‘At the end of the day you have to tip your cap, they outplayed us this week and Thomas was the better captain,’ Furyk said.
‘I love these 12 guys. It was an honour to serve as their captain.’
Rory McIlroy feels the strain after missing a putt on the 15th hole on a day of toil for Europe in the singles matches
McIlroy found the bunker on the 18th hole as he lost the opening match of the final day to Justin Thomas
Paul Casey reacts after missing a putt on the 18th green but shared a point with America’s Brooks Koepka
Paul Casey and Brooks Koepka are watched by a huge crowd at Le Golf National on the ninth hole on Sunday
Jon Rahm celebrates planting a putt on the first hole as he battles with Tiger Woods in the fourth singles match
Woods plays his tee shot on the third hole as a crowd gathers behind the American to chart his progress
Tommy Fleetwood had a spectacular Ryder Cup debut but struggled to match his form against Tony Finau on Sunday
Dustin Johnson celebrates on the 11th hole as his clash with Ian Poulter goes to the wire during Sunday’s finale