Golf-Ryder Cup the winner as Paris hits hole in one

The beauty was you did not need a grandstand ticket though.

Le Golf National, designed by Hubert Chesneau and constructed 30 years ago on a former landfill site, was created as a 'stadium course' with each hole flanked by steep banks and raised walkways offering sweeping views of the action.

At various points, thousands of fans massed on ridges where they were able to watch multiple tees and greens without moving, while 18 huge video screens meant spectators could watch every ball.

Le Golf National director general Paul Armitage promised beforehand it would be the best course to host the Ryder Cup.

Few would disagree.

"The amphitheatre here, the venue, the golf course, the fans, I really can't imagine if you could ever have a better venue or better place to play or better crowd to play in front of," beaten American captain Jim Furyk said on Sunday."

Despite the lack of a single home player, French fans, who snapped up 45 percent of the tickets, joined the party and the hope is the success of the Ryder Cup will spark a wave of interest across a nation where soccer and cycling rule.

That remains to be seen, but what is certain is that Rome, the next European host of the Ryder Cup in 2022, will have a lot to live up to.