Europe beat the United States in golf's Ryder Cup on Monday to regain the trophy they lost in 2008.

Europe had entered the final day's play, extended into Monday for the first time in the Ryder Cup's 83-year-history because of heavy rain on the first three days, a commanding three points ahead of the United States.

The final day at the Celtic Manor course in south Wales was given over to the singles, 12 in all, and the rain held off to give a warm, sunny day perfect for golf.

The United States mounted a spirited fightback, winning five and sharing one game, with Steve Stricker (U.S.) beating Lee Westwood 2 and 1, Dustin Johnson (U.S.) beating Martin Kaymer 6 and 4, Jeff Overton (U.S.) beating Ross Fisher 3 and 2, Phil Mickelson (U.S.) defeating Peter Hanson 4 and 2, and Zach Johnson (U.S.) beating Padraig Harrington. Stuart Cink (U.S.) was held to a half by Rory McIlroy in the second match.

Tiger Woods (U.S.) came from behind to beat Francesco Molinari in spectacular style 4 and 2, containing Molinari's four birdies.

Europe won three, with victory to Luke Donald, Ian Poulter, and Miguel Angel Jimenez, and Edoardo Molinari, Francesco's brother, halved another.

It went almost to the last putt on the last hole of the last round, before Europe clinched victory.

Europe's Graeme McDowell, this year's U.S. Open winner, was drawn against America's Hunter Mahan in the twelfth and final match of the day.

The match went to the 17th hole, where the American conceded after missing his putt leaving McDowell winner 2 up, and Europe winners by the narrowest of margins 14.5 to 13.5.

Winning European team captain Colin Montgomerie said, "I'm very proud. It's a very proud moment for us all here in Europe. They all played to a man magnificently, they all gave 110 percent and that' s all you can ask."

The two sides meet again in two years' time in the United States.