Hunter Mahan Chokes on 17th Hole As Graeme McDowell Wins Ryder Cup for Europe

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Oct 4, 2010

10:20 a.m.: That's it. Europe wins. And the crowd goes crazy (literally, they're all jumping up and down in a giant mess on the 17th green).

The Americans didn't have much of a chance when play began Monday morning, but they deserve credit for coming within one match of pulling out the victory. Though Mahan's gaffe on the 17th will be on every highlight package for the next week or so, it was just one bad shot from a weekend when the Americans had more than their share.

10:17 a.m.: You never really want to throw around the "c word" when you're talking about pro golfers, but Hunter Mahan just choked.

His chip shot from about 15 yards traveled about … 5 yards.

McDowell, on the fringe about 25-30 feet from the pin, can essentially three-putt to seal the win for Europe.

10:12 a.m.: McDowell's tee shot on the par-3 17th rolled off the right edge, just barely hanging on in front of trap. Mahan couldn't capitalize, though, as his tee shot landed well short of the green. This one might be over shortly.

10:11 a.m.: The TV cameras just caught a nice shot of Colin Montgomerie running through the crowd. My guess is that he doesn't move that fast all too often.

10:09 a.m.: The pressure's now on Mahan, and the math is simple: Win the next two holes, or Europe wins.

10:08 a.m.: McDowell just rolled the perfect putt on 16, putting him 2-up with two to play.There wasn't much hope for the Americans heading into Monday at the Ryder Cup, but they're sure making it interesting.

10 a.m.: With the Europeans leading 9 1/2-6 1/2 entering play, the Americans have gone on an unbelievable charge. The teams are now tied at 13 1/2 with one match remaining.

That match is between European Graeme McDowell and American Hunter Mahan. McDowell is 1-up on the 16th hole.

McDowell is on the green, facing a 15-foot birdie putt, while Mahan is about 20 yards short on the fairway.

Check back here for updates until this one's over.

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