Team Europe weather the storm to win Ryder Cup

Europe's Ryder Cup team stood strong amid volleys of abuse and vulgar chants from US fans to secure a 15-13 victory over the hosts on Sunday, as Bethpage Black's toxic atmosphere tainted the biennial competition for a third straight day.

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Shane Lowry of Team Europe celebrates with fans.

(AFP)

The Ryder Cup stands apart in the genteel world of golf for its famously rowdy fans, where chanting and taunts have become the norm. But for many the events on Long Island crossed a line.

European players were subjected to crass taunts and personal jibes, fans hurled water bottles at photographers and organisers drafted in additional security as tensions boiled over on the course.

US fans had thrilled at Bethpage's selection as host, knowing the raucous home crowd would create a difficult environment for the defending champions.

A Friday visit from US President Donald Trump, who has made “America First” the central slogan of his political career, stoked American pride even as the US team got off to a dismal 5-1/2 to 2-1/2 start.

The scoreboard and the tone took an uglier shift on Saturday, as the Europeans dropped only two of the eight points on offer to cap a historic two-day demolition.