MEDINAH, Ill. (MCT) — If the most epic Ryder Cup collapse ever ended at 5:09 p.m. Sunday at Medinah when Team Europe golfer Martin Kaymer sank a 6-foot putt on the 18th hole, it started in earnest about two hours earlier.

Phil Mickelson, in the midst of a historic weekend, led Justin Rose 1 up with two holes left. Mickelson reacted as pleased as the rest of American golf fans when he nearly chipped in for birdie. But then Rose dropped a hole-winning, 30-foot birdie putt so impressive even Mickelson applauded with a smile.