G-MAC Ryder Cup Hero

US Open champion McDowell's 2&1 victory over Hunter Mahan gave Europe a dramatic 14 to 13 triumph over the United States to regain the trophy.

McDowell, who holed a pressure putt on 16 and then won the match on 17, said: "That was absolutely amazing. That was bananas.

"The putt on the 16th was stuff I have dreamed about all my life."

Not since 1991 at Kiawah Island had the Ryder Cup been decided in such breathtaking fashion by the last of 12 singles matches.

European captain, Colin Mongomerie, decribed McDowell's decisive putt on the 16th green as 'quite unbelieveable.'

But that was the scenario McDowell faced - in front of 35,000 delirious fans - knowing he had to beat Mahan or Europe's victory hopes would lie in tatters.

"I can safely say I have never felt that nervous on a golf course before," claimed the 31-year-old.