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It was the week that had everything; from the rain and weather delays of Friday and Sunday, to the US dominance early on, a Monday finish and then to a resurgent European Team. This was the Ryder Cup 2010, and it proved to be one of the most exciting ever, writes Chris Kelby, the Royal Golf Club’s head professional.

The Europeans carried a three-point lead into the rain-delayed and unprecedented fourth day of the 38th Ryder Cup matches and with Monty’s men in the ascendancy all was looking rosy early on in the singles matches.

Momentum quickly switched as is so often the case; and there were a few casualties along the way; Martin Kaymer, the US PGA champion was swept aside, Francesco Molinari was steam-rollered by a dominant Tiger Woods and from the moment Ricky Fowler fought back from a seemingly impossible position against Eduardo Molinari the US team clung on to the hope that the famous trophy might be heading back across the Atlantic with them for another two years.

Step forward Graeme McDowell; Monty raised a few eyebrows by putting the US Open Champion out last, but he knew exactly what he was doing. The year 2010 has been a dream year for the man from Portrush and nothing was going to spoil it.

His opponent Hunter Mahan fought to the last but sheer determination and adrenalin saw McDowell close out his game on the 17th and spark unforgettable scenes of celebration at Celtic Manor.

Captain Montgomerie said at the opening ceremony that it was the proudest moment of his career to lead the team into action in Wales; only topped, I suspect, by the moment he held the trophy aloft.

He wrote two speeches, a winning one and a losing one; the losing one was consigned to the bin, because Monty has always been a winner. This was his ‘Major’, his legacy and an achievement that all European golf fans will always remember.

I, for one, can’t wait for Medinah in two years time, but the celebrations will go on for a while yet.