rory mcilroy Jamie Donaldson Ryder Cup 2014
Jamie Donaldson, left, struck the winning shot and Rory McIlroy won his singles match to lift Europe to a third straight Ryder Cup. Reuters

Even with four singles matches remaining, Welshman Jamie Donaldson assured Europe of a third consecutive Ryder Cup title Sunday at Gleneagles CC in Perthshire, Scotland.

Paired against the United States' Keegan Bradley, Donaldson was already 4-up thru 14 holes and stuck his second shot within a foot of the cup and guaranteed himself at least a half point and the Cup for the Europeans.

Before singles play began, Europe held a 10-6 advantage and as reigning champion needed only four more points to claim the tournament. The U.S. began the day hot, but the Cup ultimately stayed with Europe for the third straight time.

At no point were the Europeans in danger thanks to stellar play up and down their roster. Along with Donaldson’s win, Rory McIlroy never lost a hole to Rickie Fowler, while Graeme McDowell erased a 3-down deficit and took control of Jordan Spieth by the 13th hole for a 2&1 finish. Martin Kaymer also rolled past Bubba Watson 4&2 after 16 holes.

Despite his squabbles with the European crowd, Patrick Reed battled back and forth with Henrik Stensen and finished 1-up after 18.

And Phil Mickelson and Matt Kuchar each picked up victories over Stepehn Gallacher and Thomas Bjorn.

Ryder Cup Rory mcilroy