The European dominance of the Ryder Cup goes on.

Paul McGinley's men were the Monarchs of the Glen as they put the finishing touches to a dominant display at Gleneagles.

Leading 10-6 heading into the final day singles, the hosts required just four points from the 12 singles matches to retain the little gold chalice they had won in such spectacular style two years ago.

The USA, meanwhile, needed to conjure a comeback that would have rivalled Europe's Miracle of Medinah in 2012, but, despite some spirited early resistance from the visitors, the home side grabbed the ultimate glory and claimed their eighth Ryder Cup victory in the past 10 meetings between these two transatlantic titans.

In the end it was the Welsh rookie Jamie Donaldson who pushed Europe over the winning line and moved them into an unassailable 14 ½ - 9 ½ lead with four matches still left on the course.

Donaldson had effectively clinched the half point McGinley's team needed when he found himself four-up with only four to play against Keegan Bradley. The 38-year-old from Pontypridd gilded the lily on the next as he knocked a superb approach to within gimme distance.

Tom Watson, the US captain, who was peering on from the fairway, looked at Bradley and said, "pick it up, they've won." The European celebrations could begin.

Earlier, in the most eagerly awaited clash of the singles, world No.1 Rory McIlroy simply blew away Rickie Fowler, going five up in the first six holes.

He completed a 5&4 victory to notch Europe's first point of the day, recording seven birdies and an eagle in a remarkable round.

McIlroy became the first player to win two majors and a Ryder Cup in the same year since current US Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson in 1977.

Apart from McIlroy, there was a stunning comeback by Graeme McDowell. The Irishman was three down to US hotshot Jordan Spieth but ground his way back with five birdies in eight holes and took Europe's second point with a 2&1 result.

The US responded through main cheerleader, rookie Patrick Reed, who fist-pumped his way around the Centenary Course and eventually saw off Henrik Stenson on the 18th green to make the match score 12-7.

Scotland's Stephen Gallacher battled hard all day against Phil Mickelson and largely restored his reputation after some disappointment in the opening fourballs, but still succumbed on the 17th as the US reduced the deficit to 12-8.

Matt Kuchar saw off Thomas Bjorn to make it 12-9, but then Martin Kaymer - the hero of Medinah - chipped in from off the 16th to close out Bubba Watson and it was 13-9.

Like McDowell, Justin Rose also made an impressive recovery, rallying from four down on the first nine to Hunter Mahan to draw level.

Mahan fought back again to lead going down the 18th, but then ballooned a relatively easy greenside approach, could make only bogey, and Rose's escape was complete as he took Europe to within half a point of retaining the cup.

Donaldson then produced the vital point. "I hit the wedge shot of my life to close the game out. I can't really put words to it. It is unbelievable," Donaldson told Sky Sports.

"I knew it was getting tight there at the end and everyone was building on my group. I just tried not to spend too much time looking at the scoreboard.

"I was able to do it well enough to close it out.

"The lads have got on so well all week. There has been a great craic in there, it is an incredible week. It is hard to describe how good it is - there is nothing else like it in golf.

"It has been amazing to be a part of it."

On victorious captain McGinley, he added: "He's been sensational, incredible. It's been a hell of a week."

McGinley paid tribute not only to his players, but everyone who had contributed to the win,

"It has been a real honour to captain these 12 players, our backroom team, it has been a huge team effort," he said.

"We had three or four big ideas which we kept feeding back to and they came off.

"I have a great sense of pride giving happiness to everyone."

In the remaining matches, there was an emotional victory for Sergio Garcia over Jim Furyk, while Ian Poulter earned a half against Webb Simpson, although Lee Westwood lost to Jimmy Walker.

French hero Victor Dubuisson halved with Zach Johnston to complete the singles before the champagne started to flow.