In stark contrast to the controversy raging in the opposition camp, the leadership of the thoroughly modern Paul McGinley was deemed by his players to be the secret to Europe's success at Gleneagles.

Ahead of the event there had been much talk of the European template for triumph by their captain and his inclusive approach was applauded by those who had selected him to call the shots. That was perhaps best exemplified by the assessment of Sergio Garcia, who had been stung over the weekend by criticism from former Europe captain and US television pundit Nick Faldo about both the Spaniard's play and his attitude.

"Without a doubt, Paul was amazing," said Garcia. "I was talking to Thomas [Bjorn] yesterday on the way back to the hotel and he was mentioning that he strongly feels that Paul is the new wave of captains; a lot more modern. Every detail, it was right there.

"He thought of everything this week. So I mean, for me, it was amazing. I've talked so much to Paul throughout this past, probably, four months. I mean, he obviously really wanted me on the team. He said that probably like a year and a half ago to me, and it meant a lot.

"I think it helped me to motivate myself to play even better and make sure I made the team and not have to be the possibility of being a pick. I couldn't be prouder of being a part of this team and part of him as a captain. It was just unbelievable."

Lee Westwood, a close friend of Darren Clarke, McGinley's fellow Irishman who had sought the job this time around, fully endorsed that message. "I think Paul got a great template and a model for captains going forward," he said. "You could base your captaincy and your future captain around the way Paul did it this week."

In particular, McGinley was praised for his individual management of players. That was evident in the observations of two men who had encountered his captaincy style previously, but who made it on to this team in rather different fashion.

Jamie Donaldson, who produced the match-clinching shot with a wedge to within a foot to wrap up a 4&3 win over Keegan Bradley, had been part of McGinley's 2011 Seve Trophy team and explained how the 47-year-old had clarified the task he was facing to be there.

"I spoke to Paul before the team was selected . . . I had just had two weeks in America playing the Bridgestone and PGA and hopefully securing [his place on the team] there and I didn't," said the Welshman. "Then I spoke to Paul on the phone and he said: 'Listen, you're going to have to go to Czech and you're going to have to go to Italy or just one of the two to make enough money to qualify for the team, because the picks usually go to experienced players'.

"Granted, that's just the way it is. I went to Czech and played really well and did enough there to secure my place on the team. So yeah, it's a pretty incredible experience for me to get on the team and then be part of a winning team, as well. It's been an amazing few weeks."

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, whose place was never in the slightest doubt, had been among those whose public support of McGinley had helped secure the job for him.

"I played under Paul as a few of these guys did in the Seve Trophy in 2009 in Paris and you know, I was going on that experience and how much of a great job I thought Paul did then. I knew he was the right man to lead this team here.

"And not just me. I know Poults [Ian Poulter] was really involved in trying to get Paul over the line and a few of the more experienced guys, as well.

"From the first day we got here, the speeches he gave, the videos he showed us, the people he got in to talk us, the imagery in the team room, it all tied in together; all part of the plan, all for the cause of trying to win this Ryder Cup. He was meticulous in his planning. He left no stone unturned.

"I think I speak on behalf of all the 12 players up here and just say that, you know, he couldn't have done anything else. He was absolutely fantastic."

For Bjorn, meanwhile, who as chairman of the European Tour tournament players committee had announced McGinley's appointment at the beginning of 2013, it was particularly satisfying because of the wider implications. "It's massive for the Tour," he said.

"Paul said it all week, it's shown how far we've come. To go in as favourites and win it is special. I'm with George [O'Grady, the tour's chief executive] standing at the closing ceremony and I said: 'If you can't sell this, you've got problems.'"