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Ryder Cup 2012: Steve Stricker, United States choke away big lead in losing to Europe

Illinois alum Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods had an awful three days for the United States team at the 2012 Ryder Cup, both in four-ball play as well as singles action. Meanwhile, Northwestern product Luke Donald came up big for the Europeans.

By Bryan Kilpatrick

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Ross Kinnaird - Getty Images

The United States coughed up a chance at winning the Ryder Cup by falling apart on the final day, and ultimately fell to Europe, 14½-13½. The Europeans needed a huge comeback to do it, as the Americans held a 10-4 lead at one point on Saturday, before Europe took the last two matches of the day and carried the momentum into Sunday.

Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson gave the Americans a six-match advantage after their defeat of Justin Rose and Francesco Molinari in four-ball action on Saturday afternoon. However, Tiger Woods and Illinois alum Steve Stricker fell to Sergio Garcia and Northwestern product Luke Donald in the following match, and the downward spiral began there. Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson lost to Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter to end Saturday afternoon's set of matches, and the Americans went 3-8-1 in singles play on Sunday.

Stricker had a rough time at the Ryder Cup, as he lost all three of his four-ball matches while paired with Woods, and was defeated by Martin Kaymer in Sunday's clincher. Meanwhile, Donald recovered from a rough start in four-ball play to win the last two matches in which he was involved, including a singles victory over Bubba Watson to kick off the final day.

To see the full list of results, click here.