Twelve months after a 19–5 hammering in Albufeira, Europe arrived in Vilamoura with eight men, a new crest and a point to prove. Three days, three courses and sixteen matches later, Danny Roche's side were 10–6 winners, and Europe have their names on the trophy for the first time.

Day 1: honours even at Laguna

Saturday's fourballs at Dom Pedro Laguna set the tone for a tight weekend, with three of the four matches going to the final green. Bic and Ben drew first blood for Europe, edging Lee and Enda 1 UP in the opening match, and Ryan and Dan produced the performance of the day, demolishing Dex and Billy 6&4.

USA hit back in the other two. Liam and Jennings got the better of Luke and Shera 1 UP, and Reilly and Bonner did the same to Spheans and Donal. All square at 2–2 overnight.

In the singles stableford, Bonner set the early pace with 36 points, one ahead of Jennings, with Spheans on 34.

Day 2: Europe edge the Ocean

On Sunday morning at Vale do Lobo Ocean, Europe nosed in front. Spheans and Shera beat Dex and Reilly 3&2, and Bic and Ben made it two from two with a 4&3 win over Lee and Bonner. Ryan and Dan took a half off Liam and Jennings in the top match.

Billy and Enda kept the USA in it with a 4&3 win over Luke and Donal, but Europe took the day 2½–1½ and led 4½–3½ going into the singles. Luke at least salvaged something with 38 stableford points, the best score of the day.

Day 3: Europe run away with the singles

Needing four points from eight on the Royal course, Europe got 5½. Spheans beat stableford rival Jennings 2 UP in the top match, Shera saw off Dex 1 UP and Donal beat Enda 2 UP. Bic completed a perfect week by thrashing captain Lee 6&5, and Ryan matched that score against Bonner.

Reilly beat Danny Roche 1 UP and Billy beat Luke 3&2 for the USA, with Ben and Liam halving. It was not enough: Europe won the day 5½–2½ and the Invitational 10–6.

Stars of the week

Bic was the only player on either side to win all three of his matches. Ryan and Ben both finished unbeaten on 2½ points. For the USA, Liam, Reilly and Billy led the way with 2 points each, while captain Lee and Dex went without a point.

Spheans won the singles stableford on 105 points, ahead of Jennings on 101 and Bic on 97, and closed it out with 36 on the final day, the best round of the day. Bonner, Luke and Spheans took the three daily prizes.

What's next

Following the defeat, USA captain Lee Brennan has been relieved of his duties. Europe will defend the trophy in 2027.