Quiet man Langer the inspiration for victory

SAM TORRANCE may have nominated Monty as the team leader on the course, Sergio and Westwood may have been the fans’ darlings after two days of almost undiluted high-fiving, but more than anyone else, it was the calm and composure of Bernhard Langer that typified the steel in Europe’s successful Ryder Cup team.

Quiet and assured throughout, almost to the point of anonymity as others hogged - and basked in - the limelight, Langer was nevertheless the essence of resilience despite playing with a ricked neck throughout Friday and on Saturday morning.

The 44-year-old German remained unbeaten through the three days and brought home a valuable total of three-and-a-half points for the Europeans.