Team USA took a six-point advantage into the final day in Wisconsin and required just 3.5 points in the Sunday singles to regain the trophy, with Steve Stricker’s team in command throughout as they secured their second successive home victory in the biennial contest.

Padraig’s team required a better comeback to win the trophy, three years after the success at Paris.

Rory McIlroy led Europe out in the opening match for the third consecutive Ryder Cup, despite losing all three of his matches over the first two days, with the Northern Irishman visibly emotional after avoiding a winless campaign by seeing off Xander Schauffele 3&2.

McIlroy was the highlight of what was an otherwise embarrassing session for the visitors, with Patrick Cantlay rounding off his unbeaten debut by seeing off Shane Lowry 4&2 and Scottie Scheffler despatching Jon Rahm 4&3 to inflict a first defeat of the week on the world No 1.

Bryson DeChambeau ended Sergio Garcia’s 100 per cent record with a 3&2 win to leave the hosts on the brink of victory, with Collin Morikawa’s half-point against Viktor Hovland enough to ensure the Ryder Cup would be returning to American soil.

Morikawa, the second Open Champion, became unbeaten for the second consecutive year and won the clinching points, much like Francesco Molinari at Le Golf National. The American celebrations were already full-swing as the record-breaking margin was extended.

Brooks Koepka defeated Bernd Wiesberger in a close match. Dustin Johnson won narrowly over Paul Casey, becoming the first American to win five matches since Larry Nelson.

Ian Poulter — McIlroy’s foursomes partner over the first two days — also struggled to hold back tears as he maintained his unbeaten record in the singles by defeating Tony Finau 3&2, while Europe added another point when Lee Westwood won two of his last three holes to snatch a 1up victory over Harris English.

Tommy Fleetwood shared a tie with Jordan Spieth in Europe’s hope of not losing a historical loss. Team USA climbed to 19 points, but Team USA lost when Matt Fitzpatrick made a great approach into the final hole. Daniel Berger was awarded a 1up victory.

This 10-point margin of victory is the largest since European players were permitted to participate in the Ryder Cup 1979. It breaks the record 18.5-9.5 that was set in 2001 by USA and Europe, and it also surpasses the 2006 and 2007 records of 18.5-9.5.