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Sunday, September 24:

2015: And that's just about it from here. What a fantastic week. It's been great reading your e-mails and thanks for all the nice comments. I've seen some memorable shots, the crowds have been fantastic, I've been wished good luck in Chinese, found out that a guy from Sports Illustrated likes the Inspiral Carpets and also shaken the hand of a former U.S. President. And a special thanks to Woosie who provided me with so much material for this blog. A thousand good wishes to Darren Clarke and his two children and thankyou to Ireland for being such fantastic hosts. Right, I'm off to buy Ivor Robson a pint.

1946: Jim Furyk leads the US side in. There's a fair few smiles for a team who have taken such a hammering although Stewart Cink is yawning and Vaughn Taylor, well, just looks vacant. Virtually all the questions are directed at Tom Lehman and Tiger Woods and, as usual, the answers are polished. Chris DiMarco and Brett Wetterich are the naughty schoolboys on the end, whispering and smirking. I keep thinking that Wetterich looks as if he'd be handy with his fists. Zach Johnson and J.J. Henry are good upbeat guys and they could be useful additions to future Ryder Cup teams. Before the Europeans come in, champagne is laid out on the table before them. There's no need really as most of them arrive with pints of Guinness. Darren Clarke teases Woosie that he's much quicker at downing pints and Woosie responds immediately with "prove it". Clarke tells Woosie to mind himself as he's an old man to which the skipper replies "there's nothing like experience." Asked who will be last mind standing tonight, Luke Donald replies: "Woosie, he's got a low centre of gravity." Woosnam also only half-joking says he'll be having words with Paul McGinley about offering Henry that halve on 18. Had he won the match it would have been a record European win. David Howell points out that all individual references or performances are irrelevant when they get together for a Ryder Cup. And that's what, despite their best efforts, the US never quite shake off. For example, all the European players' golf caps had "Europe" written on them while the US players had their own names. And at the ceremonies, Europe sat in a random alphabetical order while the Americans were sat in order of qualification - a reminder that there's a hierarchy on the US team.

1831: The Americans are coming into the interview room. Let's go and see what they have to say.

1830: The Europeans will be coming in for interview in a bit so I'll report back on the fun and frolics. Will Woosie have us all doing the conga around the media tent perhaps?

1824: A massive roar from all the US journalists as Sky announce that they'll be showing an NFL double header shortly. Clearly, they're sick of the golf!

1821: Woosie's David Brent style speech continues as he puts his foot in it several times whilst trying to congratulate the Americans. Harrington is caught yawning. Woosie slips in one more gaffe, saying he can't wait until Valhalla in 2006, before returning to his seat. He is one funny man.

1820: Quite possibly yes. "This has been the greatest week in history," says Woosie. That's some claim!

1819: And now Woosie takes the stage. Is he p*ssed?

1816: Top effort from Lehman. Very gracious in defeat. They've lost heavily but have left a great impression. Some might say they needed a meaner streak but I honestly just think they were just outplayed.

1814: Generous words from Tom for Darren Clarke who is choked up. He describes Woosie as a "heck of a guy".

1813: Tom Lehman takes the stage. He says the crowds helped make this the best Ryder Cup ever.

1811: Two young Irish twin girl golfers deliver the Ryder Cup to the front of the stage.

1808: And here comes the governor of Kentucky, Ernie Fletcher. Valhalla in Kentucky will host the 2008 Ryder Cup and I already have a Valhalla baseball cap. Jealous?

1802: Bertie Ahern, the Irish PM, says his bit. He's right to be proud as this has been a fantastic Ryder Cup and the galleries have been absolutely superb. Raucous, enthusiastic but very gracious to the visitors.

1800: Woosie waves his little European flag as he's congratulated for his efforts.

1759: Can I go for a pint yet?

1758: The Sam Hamman lookalike is back again.

1757: Does anyone really want running commentary of the Closing Ceremony. Oh well, may as well see this thing through.

1755: The two teams take the stage. Why am I still writing?

1753: Sharon, the master of ceremonies, is on stage. I reckon Monty might slip her his phone number later.

1752: The Closing Ceremony starts and those drummers are back again. Here come the teams.

1745: Jennifer in Cork writes: "What a Ryder Cup. I'm in tears, my Mum is in tears. My 7 month old baby cousin is in tears. What a Ryder Cup!!!!! Both Darren, Paul and Paudie have made Ireland proud today. Clarke's tears had my whole family in tears."

1735: The Europeans, dressed in pink jackets as a gesture towards the campaign against breast cancer, come out for the Closing Ceremony. They look very groomed considering the state they were in 30 minutes ago.

1730: About 10 minutes before the Closing Ceremony gets under way. Will a beered-up Woosie come onto the stage doing an Irish jig before falling off again?

1720: It's been a good week for the tips with 6pts on Europe at 5/6 and 4pts on Europe to win the singles at Evens both collecting. And thanks to McGinley's concession J.J. Henry even got a share of top debutant to make that bet a profitable one too.

1713: Coral and Hills both make Darren Clarke even money favourite to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

1711: James Parker writes: "Myself and at least 3 men cried today in Murphys bar, Brentwood when Clarke won his match. This is proper sport. Fair and honest, the opposite of the Portugal game in the World Cup."

1707: Woosie quaffs more champagne. And now a pint of Guinness. He too downs it in one. Could Woosie be sick live on TV?

1706: What state will Woosie be in when he comes in here for interview?

1705: The biggest round of applause so far in the press tent as Clarke downs a pint of Guinness in one!

1704: Woosie now disgracing himself on TV as he tries to drink too much champagne and ends up with a combination of bubbles and snot coming out of his nose.

1700: Some great footage on the TV of Westwood just stood there while Clarke sprays champagne in his face for a good 20 seconds.

1658: Lehman seems lost for words when asked where it all went wrong. All he can do is congratulate the European team.

1657: Nick Faldo is the next European captain and says on Sky that he'd like to have 12 wildcards and just pick this team.

1656: Woosie swigs from a bottle of champagne which is almost bigger than him.

1655: Ian Botham joins in the fun and ruffles little Woosie's hair.

1654: The champagne is really flowing now as Woosie and his team celebrate on the 18th green.

1653: Woosie very much in his comfort zone now as he shakes a bottle of champagne while having some poured over his head.

1651: DiMarco picks up Westwood's ball to concede the match and gives the Englisman a hug. So the final score is Europe 18.5 USA 9.5 - exactly the same as it was two years. Another fantastic performance from the Europeans while the Americans will have to go back to the drawing board.

1650: DiMarco hits his fourth into the water as well and that sparks some resigned laughter from the US journalists.

1649: Westwood knocks his on the green.

1648: DiMarco carves his second at the 18th into the water.

1641: Some chancer in the crowd asks Woosie for his hat and the Welshman reluctantly hands it over. "Get in there," says the man, who is no doubt about to ring his wife to tell her to put it on e-bay.

1639: Good effort from DiMarco who simply won't throw the towel in. He holes a great birdie putt to win the 17th hole and, having been five down at one point, he can now halve the match by winning the last.

1637: Paddy Power make Europe 8/11 favourites to win the next Ryder Cup in 2008. But Hills go even money on both sides with the tie 9/1. Time to give Hills a ring me thinks.

1636: DiMarco needs to win 17 & 18 to gain a halve with Westwood and make the final score 18-10. Harry 'The Hat' is cheering DiMarco on as he's backed that scoreline at 30 on Betfair.

1634: Olazabal beats Mickelson to make the score 17.5 to 9.5.

1632: Some interesting betting reaction from Hills.

A William Hill customer from Tyne & Wear lost the biggest ever golf bet when his £347,000 wager on the USA to win the Ryder Cup was beaten. "He is a regular customer in his mid-to-late thirties who used to be a Phil Mickelson fan, although he may now be re-considering that opinion," said Hill's spokesman Graham Sharpe. "Another Hill's client staked £80,000 on the USA and yet another customer lost £120,000 on one of the Saturday matches to make it our most profitable Ryder Cup ever. It has also been the biggest betting golf event of all time with the best part of £25 million gambled on the outcome.

1630: Darren Clarke is now the 2.1 favourite on Betfair to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year. He's traded at odds-on.

1628: Westwood now two up with two to play against DiMarco.

1627: Verplank seals a 4&3 victory over Harrington to make it Europe 16.5 USA 9.5.

1626: Three matches still out on the course. Olazabal is two up on Mickelson with two holes to play, Westwood is three up on DiMarco with three to play and Verplank, after his hole in one, is four up on Harrington with four to play.

1624: The betting chat rooms are already buzzing with regard to McGinley conceding Henry's putt. Naturally, those who backed him to win the match are furious while people like me who had Henry to be top debutant (he's finished in a three-way tie) are pretty pleased.

1622: Match score now 16.5 to 8.5.

1619: A streaker appears on the 18th green just as McGinley concedes. The Irishman calls him "a clown" but gives deserved and special praise to the crowds this week. "I'm so proud to be Irish," he says.

1616: McGinley hits a great putt which is conceded. And the Irishman sparks a thousand betting controversies by conceding Henry's 25 foot putt meaning the match is halved. Cheers Paul :)

1616: More around the globe e-mails. "The Azerbaijan supporters club is wishing the guys on - the Europeans that is - and yes, we do have a golf course here now - and a driving range." - Dave Maskall.

1612: How about this? Another hole-in-one at the 14th, this time from American Scott Verplank. The DVD of this Ryder Cup should be well worth watching. Paddy Power were offering 16/1 about a hole-in-one today. A shocking price and yet those who took it will get paid out.

1611: Henry can only lay up from a bunker so McGinley is looking favourite to win the hole.

1610: McGinley plays his second to the last. Can he give the crowd another roar? He can, as he flies it to the back of the green.

1607: And what about this one?.... "Maybe you are big in Thailand but I think you are the bigger in China. We very like you here and your great knowledge. You add the oil very well and are a very humour man. I like the europe and am happy now I think they can win. Wish you happy every day from Beijing."

1606: Clement Freud has been back on to try and confirm his authenticity. "Inside leg measurement 31". No-one knows that."

1605: All the Americans are out there drinking in the atmosphere. Yes, they've been hammered but sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and congratulate the other side. Lehman's team have realised that and know they've been outplayed.

1603: Stenson confirms on TV that he didn't realise he'd holed the winning putt.

1602: The match score is now 16-8 by the way. If McGinley can beat Henry on the final hole and win the match the final score could be 19-9! Actually, I want Henry to win for betting purposes. I tipped him to be top debutant at 11/2 and if he wins his match he'll win the bet.

1600: Clarke is interviewed on Sky and shows great dignity as usual.

1558: Woosie thanks the crowds and looks absolutely chuffed to bits.

1556: Clarke gets a hug from Woosie, who holds his arm aloft. Very emotional scenes these.

1555: Johnson misses his birdie and sportingly concedes the putt. Clarke is in tears as he embraces caddie Billy Foster and he also gets a big hug from Tom Lehman. The Americans have acted with great dignity all week.

1554: Clarke's putt comes up short and Johnson rather reluctantly tells him can't really concede it.

1551: Clarke is now looking to close out his match with Johnson. He has a putt to win his match.

1548: It must be difficult for those still out on the course. The Europeans will want to crack open the champagne while the Americans will just want to get off the course.

1546: It's now 15-8 to Europe but what will the final score be? Bad luck to those who backed Clarke to hole the winning putt.

1545: And Stenson holes on the 15th to beat Taylor and Europe have won the Ryder Cup! It's not quite the perfect moment as everything happened so quickly and Stenson doesn't quite seem aware that his putt is the winning one.

1544: Donald knocks it in. A round of applause in the press tent. The Ryder Cup is retained.

1543: Campbell's chip for par misses so Donald has an eight-foot putt for the win.

1542: Donald is about to beat Campbell to ensure the Cup is retained.

1540: David Howell shuts out Wetterich 5&4 to make it 13-8. The end is near.

1536: The projected score now is Europe 18.5 USA 9.5 - exactly the same as it was two years ago.

1535: The only question now is which European will get to hole the winning putt.

1534: Howell goes four up on Wetterich. The Swindon man is holing everything now.

1533: Clarke almost holes a monster putt to go four up on Johnson but it just trickles by.

1525: Surely the e-mail which has just dropped into my in-box is fake:
"You are very big in Thailand where no-one else is saying anything. Keep up good work and stop going away."
Clement Freud

Surely a fake Clement Freud. I have just seen the real Boris Becker though. He had big baggy courds on and has let his hair grow so he looked worryingly like Boris Johnson.

1524: Clarke is now three up on Johnson after 14 so peraps he won't get to hole the winning putt as his match may finish too soon.

1520: David Howell is joining the European party now and a fantastic birdie putt at the 12th puts him three up on Brett Wetterich. Darren Clarke and Henrik Stenson are also three up while Lee Westwood is five up on Chris DiMarco. When I walked into the press tent Phil Mickelson was walking up the 10th fairway. He's been smiling inanely most of the week but here he looked ashen-faced. Not surprising as his team are about to be demolished and he's going to face a grilling by the US media. At least he won't have to face them in tournament press rooms. The Ryder Cup is set to be his last event of the year and, unless he changes his mind, the left-hander's next tournament will be the Bob Hope Classic in January.

1517: Europe 12 USA 8. Casey, who dominated the match from the start, finally kills off the plucky Furyk with a fine putt. The young Englishman has had a fantastic Ryder Cup.

1515: Monty's win in the top match takes the European total to 11 while the Americans are now up to 8 after wins for the inspired Stewart Cink over Sergio Garcia and Tiger Woods over Robert Karlsson.

1500: You can only ever be in one place at one time on a golf course so it's often a question of luck as to which moments you see. And standing on the media platform at the 10th I'm beginning to get a bit jealous as all the roars are coming from elsewhere on the course. And then I'm looking across to the 12th as Darren Clarke holes a big putt at the 10th so I actually miss the putt. Drat. Then the lowest key match of the 12 comes through - Henrik Stenson v Vaughn Taylor - and both men just get polite applause. Shall I stick it out? Okay I'll just watch Clarke play the 12th. A poor tee shot leaves him about 75 feet from the flag - the worst shot I've seen there all week just about. But then I get to witness one of those incredible Ryder Cup moments. As we look out across the water, we have the perfect view of Clarke's downhill putt as it's straight at us. He strokes the ball and, hang on, that seems to be tracking towards the hole. It rolls over the ridge in the green and still it's on target. Surely not. It trickles further and, incredibly, drops in the hole. Everyone around us goes beserk with a mass raising of arms and deafening cheers. I could stand there for ever and not see that again so on that high I return to the press tent. And, by the way, Europe are absolutely hammering the Americans.

1400: Sun shining so I'm off to the media-watching platform where we can see the 10th and 12th greens.

1356: Smutty e-mail joke count about where Clinton's hand has been now stands at three. Stop it!

1355: Casey stays four up on Furyk by matching the American man's birdie at the 10th.

1353: Monty sinks his putt and he's two up with four to play. A big moment in that match.

1352: The roar is for Sergio who birdies the 11th to cut Cink's lead to three.

1350: Massive roar outside. Something good has happened for the Europeans.

1350: Fantastic tee-shot by Monty at the par three 14th as he knocks it to eight feet. He's one up and will hope to double that lead here.

1346: Europe are now up in seven of the 12 games. The Americans need a massive turnaround.

1344: For all the criticisms of Tiger, if he wins his match today and Furyk (currently four down to Casey) loses his, Woods will finish as the top US points scorer with three. True, he's played all five games but it's a good comeback line if he's criticised.

1342: Tiger sinks a good birdie putt and goes two up on Karlsson after nine. Woods has gone to the turn in 32 so he's playing much better golf today.

1340: Europe are now up in six of the 12 games. US lead in four while two are all square.

1335: Random pointless fact: I'm wearing the same black jeans as Brian Woolnough. Except he's got his shirt tucked into his.

1325: Westwood didn't look particularly ill when I saw him on the practice range. And he's just birdied the first to go one up on DiMarco.

1320: Eight of the matches are separated by no more than one hole. But in game two Cink is four up on Garcia while in the very next match Casey has just gone four up on Furyk.

1315: So Europe are up in four, the Americans are up in three while three are all squared. By my calculations, if the scores stayed as they are, Darren Clarke would make the winning putt!

1310: I've just shaken Bill Clinton's hand! After experiencing the fantastic atmosphere on the first tee, I wander about four fifths down the right hand side of the first fairway. And as I wait for Darren Clarke and Zach Johnson to hit their second shots, a buggy pulls up alongside us containing the former US President. "You're the man," shouts a man next to me and Mr Clinton makes a theatrical "shhhh" gesture before shaking four or five hands including mine. I remember reading once that former Ryder Cup star Paul Azinger, a staunch Republican, said he would refuse to shake the hand of a Democrat President if the team were invited to the White House. Never did care for Azinger after that. Anyway, there's a great atmosphere out there and there's groans as Clarke can't make his birdie putt. I switch across to the fourth green and see Donald and Campbell halve the hole. There's some Americans next to me and one says: "Campbell sure has lost some weight hasn't he." I was thinking the same yesterday when he came into the press tent for interview. Walking back in and Jose Maria Olazabal is striding from the practice ground to the first tee being roared on by well-wishers while as I approach the press tent Monty comes into view on the 10th tee. He looks out across the K Club and I give him a thumbs up but I don't think he sees me. Tom Lehman is stood on the back of the tee, listening in eagerly to his radio.

1215: Time to sample some of that first tee atmosphere. Back soon.

1214: Casey makes a birdie two at the third and goes two up on Furyk. Donald and Campbell halve the first.

1213: Worrying news for Westwood, who has a temperature after being ill in the night. He will come out to compete though.

1211: Toms wins the fifth with a bogey. Monty won't be happy with that.

1210: Tiger in good position at the second. He facs a 12 foot birdie putt while Karlsson isn't on the green.

1208: The bunker down the first is full of puddles. Donald can have a free drop but he chooses to play the ball where it lies rather than dropping it and having it plug. He plays a fine shot onto the green whereas Campbell comes up short.

1207: Nearly an hour gone and Lehman's hopes of having plenty of early USA red on the board are being dashed with Europe ahead in three of the four games.

1203: Back at the first tee, Donald finds the bunker with his tee-shot while Campbell is in the rough.

1200: Karlsson birdies the first and goes 1 up on Tiger. The board is turning blue not red and Garcia also hits back with a birdie at three to cut Cink's lead to just one up.

1158: Go Monty! He goes two up with a birdie four at the par five fourth while Toms makes an ugly six.

1155: Mike from Scotland writes: "Followed my maxim for big sporting events - bet the team you don't want to win. So I've backed the Yanks at 6.4 and again at 11.0. That way I can't lose. If the Yanks lose, I'll be ecstatic. If it's a draw, well we keep the cup. And if the Yanks win, I'll have loads of dosh to drown my sorrows!" Good idea. Actually, some of the journos often back the play-off for similar reasons. If there isn't one, great, they can head off home. But if there is, at least they win money for doing overtime!

1153: Cink birdies his second hole in a row and goes two up on Garcia.

1151: Woods misses the fairway with his drive but Karlsson hits a beauty. Woosie gives him a pat on the back and sends him on his way.

1151: Casey birdies the first and goes one up on Furyk. That makes two blues on the board and just one red.

1149: Advantage Cink at the second. He faces a five footer while Sergio is 30 feet away.

1147: And next into the arena are a smiling Karlsson and a deadly serious Woods. The pair shake hands and prepare to fire.

1145: Brian, an ex-pat Irishman in Australia, isn't happy. "Bloody Foxtel TV here in Oz is not broadcasting until 12.30am Monday our time here, so I will miss the first 4 hours of coverage." He adds: "Go the Irish and hope the K Club looked after you this week except for the weather." They certainly have Brian.

1144: Monty birdies and goes one up! The big Scot has never lost a singles game and has made a cracking start here.

1142: Fantastic tee-shot by Monty at the par three third. He's hit some great shots so far but hasn't yet been rewarded. Great chance to go one up here though with Toms a fair distance from the pin.

1141: Sky TV just showing Garcia's putt now. He misses by the way.

1139: Casey and Furyk on the tee. The ever-reliable Furyk splits the fairway but Casey finds the rough on the right. It's not buried though and Cink made a birdie from a worse lie just moments ago.

1139: Garcia can't respond and the USA go one up in match two.

1138: Another Monty putt just misses so he and Toms are all square after two.

1136: Garcia and Cink face makeable birdie putts at the first. Cink goes first and knocks it in!

1135: Monty's approach at the second almost drops into the hole but spins back to 15 feet.

1128: Cink's tee-shot buries in the thick, gnarly rough down the right. Garcia takes a deep breath and then smashes a drive straight down the middle. The crowd love that one.

1126: 'Ser-gio, Ser-gio' is the chant going up now. But the Irish crowds have been great all week and give Cink a big cheer too as he's announced onto the tee.

1125: Monty's long birdie putt is tracking towards the hole but just drifts by. What a start that could have been. Toms also misses by a whisker so it's a halve in four.

1124: Garcia hoists his umbrella into the air and gives it a twirl as he walks onto the first tee. More 'Ole, Ole, Ole' chants!

1122: Monty's approach finds the green but he would have expected something a little better. Toms has the shorter birdie putt although a three looks an outside bet for both players.

1120: Jimmy in Dubai is following our coverage today but can't get a drink. It's Ramadam so the pubs are shut. He also wishes a special good luck to his fellow Dubai resident Henrik Stenson.

1115: Ivor Robson still sounds a touch on the cautious side as he announces Toms onto the tee. The American hits a fine shot down the middle. Monty looks a little anxious as he launches his opening shot but it bounces into the fairway after flirting with the right rough. Monty turns to the crowds on the first tee and applauds them before striding off down the fairway. This is great stuff.

1114: And now the 'Ole, Ole, Ole' chant goes up. Monty smirks but it's good to see Toms smiling too. To be honest you can't buy an atmosphere like this so, if you're on the opposing side, you may as well embrace it rather than be intimidated.

1111: Monty is striding his way to the first tee. He loves going off first. The chest is out and what a lift it must give him hearing such wonderful support. David Toms smiles as the crowd belt out chants of 'Monty' and 'Co-lin Mont-gom-erie, Co-lin Mont-gom-erie'.

1110: Heavy rain now. I'm quite happy sat in the press tent eating a bacon sarnie and watching it on TV for now!

1108: A reminder of today's matches.

Sunday Singles (All times BST)
1115 Colin Montgomerie v David Toms
1127 Sergio Garcia v Stewart Cink
1139 Paul Casey v Jim Furyk
1151 Robert Karlsson v Tiger Woods
1203 Luke Donald v Chad Campbell
1215 Paul McGinley v JJ Henry
1227 Darren Clarke v Zach Johnson
1239 Henrik Stenson v Vaughn Taylor
1251 David Howell v Brett Wetterich
1303 Jose Maria Olazabal v Phil Mickelson
1315 Lee Westwood v Chris DiMarco
1327 Padraig Harrington v Scott Verplank

1106: I can here rain coming down now on the press tent roof.

1105: Okay, I have a definitive answer from a European Tour official. All matches WILL be played to a finish even if the Cup has already been won.

1050: Need some breakfast. Only got back from the K Club at around 10.30 last night and there wasn't much food going. The seafood chowder wasn't great either although gawping at former Ryder Cup star Thomas Levet on the other table and trying to understand his French at least passed the time.

1045: I've had a few e-mails asking whether the bottom matches will be declared as halves once the Cup is won. The general concensus is that all the matches will be played to a finish so those looking to get one up on the bookies by backing ties in the last few games may not be getting an edge.

1030: Just working out a few match bets for today's matches.

1020: Good morning from the K Club. We're just under an hour away from the opening match in today's deciding singles and the atmosphere is really starting to build. Outside there's a little bit of rain in the air but there's hardly a jot of wind. These should be decent scoring conditions.