ZealousGolfer.com

After a stressful Saturday that saw the Americans surrender some of their commanding Friday lead, the home team was able to deliver on the final day of play. For the first time since 1999, the American Ryder Cup team has emerged victorious in the bi-annual tournament.

The final score: America 16. 5, Europe 11.5.

The victory, however, did not come down to the wire. Jim Furyk (pictured left) clinched the 2008 Ryder Cup in his match against Miguel Angel Jimenez after his opponent conceded a short par putt, which gave the Americans the 14.5 points needed for the title.

Interestingly, the Americans began the day with a strong sense of confidence as they arrived to play at Valhalla Country Club dressed in red shirts, the traditional Sunday color of Tiger Woods.

The dominant performance of the American team secured the largest margin of victory for the U.S. since the 1981 tournament.

A noticeably satisfied Paul Azinger declared, "I poured my heart and soul into this for two years. The players poured their heart and soul into this for one week. They deserved it. I couldn’t be happier."

Nick Faldo (pictured right), however, will likely be scrutinized and criticized heavily over the next week for his choices as European team captain. GolfChannel.com reports, "The British press blistered him for benching Garcia and Lee Westwood – the most successful European tandem – on Saturday, the first time either of them had ever missed a match. Even more peculiar was putting double major winner Padraig Harrington, Westwood and Ian Poulter in the final three matches Sunday."

Perhaps the 2008 Ryder Cup will be remembered as the start of a new trend of American dominance as several young players, such as Anthony Kim, continue to progress as golfers. At least, this Ryder Cup appears to have at least stopped the bleeding.