Europe have regained the Ryder Cup from the United States after a gripping and historic finale at a packed Celtic Manor.
McDowell's terrific putt on the 16th helped to tip victory Europe's way
Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell saw off a fierce challenge from American Hunter Mahan to lead his team to victory by 14.5 points to 13.5.
After Sunday morning's play was washed out in Newport, Wales, the teams went head-to-head on a Monday for the first time in the tournament's 83-year history.
The Europeans dominated before singles wins for Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Zach Johnson and Mahan's late challenge meant the result went right down to the wire.
But a wayward putt from Mahan on the 17th hole saw him concede defeat to pass the trophy back to Europe - and send the invading capacity crowd around the green wild.
It was another Ryder Cup victory for Colin Montgomerie, captaining his team for the first time.
He told Sky Sports: "It is a proud moment for everybody in Europe, we played to a man magnificently.
"I don't want to talk about how close it was, I only want to talk about every player playing how well they did - they did so well."
The late hero McDowell - who had triumphed at the US Open - said the pressure on him to win made his victory in America seem like he was playing a "back nine against my Dad" back home in Northern Ireland.
Monty seals yet another Cup win
"I was really nervous," he told Sky Sports. "The fans have just been unbelievable. there's nothing quite like it."
At Celtic Manor, Sky News' sports editor Nick Powell described the final day's play as "extraordinary".
"It looked like (Europe) could win convincingly, and we looked at record margins of victories," Powell said.
"But (the US team) made as big a fight of it as they possibly could without winning," he added.
"The Europeans must be very happy and relieved."
More than 2,000 fans had packed the first tee grandstand for Lee Westwood and Steve Stricker's opening shots - and tens of thousands more sat in the course's other stands and lined the fairways.
With only Sunday ticketholders and those with season tickets for all the days allowed entry, there had been fears the venue would not be full as people returned to work.
But the atmosphere was electric as Europe - leading by three points at the start of this morning's play - went in search of the five points needed for victory.
Montgomerie said he hoped thousands of people would forge sick notes to swell the crowds for the historic finale.
"We all know that Monday is a working day and a number of those won't be able to watch the matches," he said.
Lee Westwood tees off in front of a packed grandstand
However, he added he hoped "as many people as possible with Sunday tickets will turn up".
He was not disappointed, as thousands witnessed a terrific additional day's play.
The ticketing rules had sparked anger among fans who attended on Friday, who also endured more than seven hours of rain interruptions.
But Monty said: "We did ask if it was possible that everybody with a Friday ticket could come in as well but there was a health and safety issue."
After rain had blighted the first three days, Nick Powell said mist and fog presented the main obstacle for the players on the final day.
"The fog is still around on the course causing one or two problems," he said amid the morning play. "It does just need the sun to burn things off."
The final showdown between McDowell and Mahan was basked in sunshine as victory ultimately shined on Europe.
McDowell's terrific putt on the 16th helped to tip victory Europe's way
Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell saw off a fierce challenge from American Hunter Mahan to lead his team to victory by 14.5 points to 13.5.
After Sunday morning's play was washed out in Newport, Wales, the teams went head-to-head on a Monday for the first time in the tournament's 83-year history.
The Europeans dominated before singles wins for Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Zach Johnson and Mahan's late challenge meant the result went right down to the wire.
But a wayward putt from Mahan on the 17th hole saw him concede defeat to pass the trophy back to Europe - and send the invading capacity crowd around the green wild.
It was another Ryder Cup victory for Colin Montgomerie, captaining his team for the first time.
He told Sky Sports: "It is a proud moment for everybody in Europe, we played to a man magnificently.
"I don't want to talk about how close it was, I only want to talk about every player playing how well they did - they did so well."
The late hero McDowell - who had triumphed at the US Open - said the pressure on him to win made his victory in America seem like he was playing a "back nine against my Dad" back home in Northern Ireland.
Monty seals yet another Cup win
"I was really nervous," he told Sky Sports. "The fans have just been unbelievable. there's nothing quite like it."
At Celtic Manor, Sky News' sports editor Nick Powell described the final day's play as "extraordinary".
"It looked like (Europe) could win convincingly, and we looked at record margins of victories," Powell said.
"But (the US team) made as big a fight of it as they possibly could without winning," he added.
"The Europeans must be very happy and relieved."
More than 2,000 fans had packed the first tee grandstand for Lee Westwood and Steve Stricker's opening shots - and tens of thousands more sat in the course's other stands and lined the fairways.
With only Sunday ticketholders and those with season tickets for all the days allowed entry, there had been fears the venue would not be full as people returned to work.
But the atmosphere was electric as Europe - leading by three points at the start of this morning's play - went in search of the five points needed for victory.
Montgomerie said he hoped thousands of people would forge sick notes to swell the crowds for the historic finale.
"We all know that Monday is a working day and a number of those won't be able to watch the matches," he said.
Lee Westwood tees off in front of a packed grandstand
However, he added he hoped "as many people as possible with Sunday tickets will turn up".
He was not disappointed, as thousands witnessed a terrific additional day's play.
The ticketing rules had sparked anger among fans who attended on Friday, who also endured more than seven hours of rain interruptions.
But Monty said: "We did ask if it was possible that everybody with a Friday ticket could come in as well but there was a health and safety issue."
After rain had blighted the first three days, Nick Powell said mist and fog presented the main obstacle for the players on the final day.
"The fog is still around on the course causing one or two problems," he said amid the morning play. "It does just need the sun to burn things off."
The final showdown between McDowell and Mahan was basked in sunshine as victory ultimately shined on Europe.