Europe fought off a thrilling United States rally to win an emotional Ryder Cup on Sunday with Irishman Shane Lowry securing the trophy on a dramatic six-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole.

Lowry's tension-packed putt lifted him into a tie with American Russell Henley for the half-point that clinched Europe keeping the trophy and two late ties gave the visitors a 15-13 victory.

"That was the hardest couple of hours of my whole life," a tearful Lowry said. "I just can't believe that putt went in. I stood over it going 'This is it.'

"I said walking down 18, 'I have a chance to do the coolest thing in my life.' The Ryder Cup means everything to me... To do it out there today in front of everyone -- it was so hard out there."

Europe's triumph was their 11th in the past 15 Cup showdowns and

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