CHASKA, Minnesota (AFP) - The United States captured the Ryder Cup for the first time since 2008 on Sunday clinching the victory over Europe when rookie Ryan Moore won the last three holes to defeat England's Lee Westwood.

Needing 14 1/2 to win the cup back, the United States produced a crushing final day performance in singles match play to win 17-11.

American singles triumphs by Patrick Reed, Rickie Fowler, Brandt Snedeker and rookie Brooks Koepka and a vital half point from Phil Mickelson had put the US team on the brink.

Moore completed the triumph with an eagle at the par-5 16th, a birdie at 17 and a conceded par at 18 to produce a 15-10 lead Europe could not overtake.

"To score the clinching point in the Ryder Cup is just incredible," Moore said. "I can't digest what just happened. I was trying my hardest not to let my team down."