This was the best Ryder Cup since it all began, says Ewen Murray

That was some fortnight north of Hadrian's Wall!

When Gleneagles was awarded the Ryder Cup, some worried about the weather so late on in the season. These worries were unfounded as the sun shone, warm air circulated around the Ochil Hills and the noise from the enthusiastic fans could be heard on the northern side of The Grampians.

And what about the golf?

From start to finish, this was the best Ryder Cup since it all began in 1927 in Massachusetts. The quality of play and sportsmanship, the excitement and drama was never far away from fever pitch, and the final scenes at the 15th when Welshman Jamie Donaldson closed out the match will live long in the memory of those who were privileged to witness it.

Gleneagles has always built their reputation on five-star quality and nobody can deny they delivered a five-star Ryder Cup.

The quality of play and sportsmanship, the excitement and drama was never far away from fever pitch

The PGA Centenary course has had criticism since its life began 20 years ago, but much of that criticism has been voiced simply because of the beauty of James Braid's Kings and Queens courses.

The Ryder Cup has grown to such an extent that only few courses have the infrastructure to accommodate this Olympian sporting classic. Gleneagles passed the test triumphantly with a grade of A+.

Having worked over the last two years at Sky Sports with the European captain, Paul McGinley, I was thrilled for him. Paul is a meticulous man and he left no stone unturned during his term in preparing his team for the three days of intense golf and pressure.

I imagine in his forthcoming book, you will be able to share his diligent work, his thoughts, his plans and his dreams. He is a very impressive individual who brought 12 players together and handed them the blueprint on how to operate as one unit. His dreams were realised as Team Europe's hearts beat as one.

Strong words

It seemingly was not that way in the team room of the United States of America. Defeat is nothing to be ashamed of, especially if you have given your all for captain and country. The ugly aftermath voiced by some American players was sad and criticism of Tom Watson's captaincy should have been confined to their quarters.

There is nothing wrong with disagreements. It's part of life but Phil Mickelson, I believe, will regret that his strong words were made in public. It's so unlike him as Phil is as mild a gentleman as you could wish to meet. When your Captain has won the respect of so many over a period of 40 years the inquest, if needed, should have been held behind closed doors.

Maybe this was a Ryder Cup too far for the Captain of 21 years ago. So much has changed during that passage of time, but Watson deserved better and in the calmness of a week on, I suspect those who opened up wished they hadn't.

This Ryder Cup must never be remembered for these incidents, for it was far better than that. The success of the European side bodes well for the future. The delightful Frenchman Victor Dubuisson came of age and he is set to be a world star in the years ahead.

Justin Rose confirmed his status in golf with a magnificent performance from start to finish. His matches alongside Henrik Stenson will go down as some of the best in the history of the event. Graeme McDowell showed why he is a major champion leading his side superbly on Sunday and in Rory McIlroy, the game has a new leader. Impressive as a player, he is equally impressive as a person.

I've singled out some of Paul's side, but it is wrong to do that, because all 12 were cogs in a wheel, a wheel that reached top speed in destroying a more than decent American side.

Television-wise, it was a mammoth production, the like of which golf has never seen before. It was humbling to be a tiny part of it and at the end of the three days there were some colleagues, stunned, excited, emotionally drained, exhausted, but honoured they were part of it. When it's time to retire, some of us will look back and think, that week in the Scottish heartlands was up there with the best times in our careers.

In the commentary box my close friend of many years, Darren Clarke, enjoyed an outstanding debut. Many believe he will be the next European Captain at Hazeltine in Minnesota. His insight of the players and the situations they faced added much to the broadcast. If it is his time in 2016, he will be similar to McGinley: dedicated, passionate and street-wise.

Heart-warming

The Alfred Dunhill Links from Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and St. Andrews was never going to be on the same level as Gleneagles, or at least, that's what most thought. After four days alongside the eastern coastline of Scotland, this event delivered one of the most heart-warming stories since the European Tour began in the early 70s.

Oliver Wilson began the week in 252nd place in the Race to Dubai. He was a lowly 102nd in the Challenge Tour rankings. No future, little hope. A big fall from playing for Europe in the Ryder Cup only six years ago in Kentucky.

On Sunday, after the heartache of finishing runner-up no fewer than nine times, Oliver became a winner. From 252nd to 29th, half a million pounds richer, his Tour card back, and qualification to play again with those he had played with in the past in all of the world's biggest tournaments.

This was a story of great courage, belief and dedication. Whoever, wherever in the world would have rejoiced at his resilience and shared his treasured moment. The world number one, who finished second, said it all behind the Home of Golf's 18th green: "If I had to pick a player to finish behind this week, it would have been Oliver Wilson.”

Yes, it really was some fortnight in the Bonnie Land and there will be much to reflect on before my next event, the BMW in China when the European Tour begin their "Final Series".

This week for the first time in my life, my age will start with the number 6. What a bummer! But what a way to end the 50s. Many moments remembered, and some that will never be forgotten.