Ryder Cup 2014: Rory McIlroy says he was 'more up for this' than major victories, after beating Rickie Fowler

The world number one put Europe's first point on the board on the final day

World number one Rory McIlroy lived up to his reputation by delivering Europe's first point of Sunday's singles with a 5&4 victory over good friend Rickie Fowler.

LIVE: Latest Ryder Cup news and scoreboard

Third out in the order the Northern Irishman took a stranglehold on his game by going three up in as many holes with two birdies and an eagle.

Two more birdies took him five clear through six and although he handed one back with a bogey at the seventh he was never in any real danger and closed out the match with two birdies in his last three holes as he finished approximately eight under par for 14 holes.

With the score at 11-6 and Europe also ahead in four other matches Paul McGinley's side were on course to win the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and maintain their dominance over the United States.

"I know what was expected of me and I knew what I expect from myself," he told Sky Sports.

"I was probably more up for this than the two final days of my majors (he won) this year."

He added: "There was no other option but to win and I played my best golf of the week.

"I built a comfortable lead which I was able to hang on to."

LIVE: Latest Ryder Cup news and scoreboard

PA