Ryder Cup 2016: Bubba Watson cries into the arms of captain Davis Love after USA's 17-11 victory over Europe

(Sky Sports_
Tom Dutton2 October 2016

USA reclaimed the Ryder Cup on Sunday with a 17-11 victory over Europe after a thrilling final day at Hazeltine National.

Europe knew they needed 7.5 points from 12 singles matches on Sunday to retain the Cup and Rory McIlroy's battle with Patrick Reed set the tone for the day as America took charge.

Indeed, the pair went toe-to-toe for most of the afternoon, but Reed edged ahead in the back nine and took a 1UP lead into the final hole before securing the first home point of day three.

Europe celebrated small victories as Henrik Stenson, Thomas Pieters and Rafa Cabrera Bello all took points, but the Ryder Cup always looked destined for America with red dominating the leaderboard in the later games.

Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka, Brandt Snedeker and Ryan Moore saw the Americans over the magical 14.5-mark as they ended an eight-year wait for the Cup.

But vice-captain Bubba Watson was criticised for 'stealing thunder' as he weeped into skipper Davis Love's arms once the result was confirmed.

The Masters champion, who famously cried following his 2012 success at August National, said to Love: “Thank you so much. Thanks for having me. I love you too, man.”

Watson later descirbed it as the greatest thing he'd ever done in golf.

And some fans on social media were unimpressed with the American's antics.

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