Set-aside egos helped Europe

Wild card Ian Poulter says the goal of retaining the trophy was more important than personal egos, over the three-day contest.

Englishman Poulter - whose tournament record has been as distinctive as his golf clothing - went into the biennial event boasting a fearsome record.

Pundits nicknamed him "The Postman" due to him always delivering, with a staggering 80% Ryder Cup personal win ratio.

That record was somewhat dented - dropping to "only" 72.2% - after a defeat and two halves at Gleneagles.

But Poulter told the Press Association's sports division that personal records have been secondary to beating the US.

He says that all European players wanted to play as much as possible. But the plan centred around keeping several golfers at their freshest, with only Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose playing in every session of the five available.

Now attentions turn to the identity of Paul McGinley's replacement as Ryder Cup captain for the 2016 Hazeltine event.

Lee Westwood has added his name to Darren Clarke's growing band of supporters.

© Copyright Press Association

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