COLIN MONTGOMERIE was the toast of Europe last night after holing the putt that won the Ryder Cup.

Montgomerie has struggled to retain his form in a traumatic year, which has been dominated by his marriage break-up. And he made the Ryder Cup team thanks only to a wild-card selection by captain Bernhard Langer.

The 41-year-old Scot repaid Langer's faith in him, sinking a 4ft putt on the last green to win his match against American David Toms.

Montgomerie's victory guaranteed Europe the 14-and-a-half points needed to win golf's biggest team prize. And it also meant he retained his unbeaten singles record in the Ryder Cup.

As he walked up to the final green at Oakland Hills, European supporters in the crowd greeted him with chants of "Monty, Monty".

Europe began the day odds-on favourites to retain the cup, needing only three-and-half points to win outright.

But, at one stage, the US team were up in the first five matches, and seemed on the verge of one of sport's biggest turnarounds.

Europe clawed their way back with wins by Sergio Garcia, Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood, paving the way for Montgomerie to seal victory.

Europe has now won four out of the last five Ryder Cups.

Montgomerie said: "It's been a fantastic week. Bernhard Langer has been a wonderful captain, but he had great troops playing for him.

"We had strength at the top, in the middle and at the bottom. We were so close-knit.

European captain Langer said: "It's been a tremendous week for all of us. We had so much fun as a team.

"It was an incredible week and I'm so proud of the guys, especially today. We were down early and came back strong. They have a lot of heart.

"We were down early on, but came back strong. They have a lot of heart - and I think it's awesome that Monty got the winning point.

"He proved how great he is. He has never lost a singles and here he is winning the match."