EUROPEAN Ryder Cup hero Justin Rose maintained his unbeaten record at Gleneagles with a dramatic comeback against Hunter Mahan in yesterday’s singles.

The north Hampshire golfer recovered from four holes down to clinch a crucial half for Europe, taking his tally for the weekend to four points and ensuring that he would end the tournament with more points than any other player.

Rose was sent out third by European captain Paul McGinley, but it was Mahan who made a fast start, making birdies at the first two holes to take control.

Further birdies at five and six put the American in a commanding position at four up, but Rose responded brilliantly, making consecutive birdies at holes eight, nine, 10 and 11 to level the match.

Mahan took advantage of a mistake by the Hook golfer to regain the lead on the 12th, but again Rose pegged him back with a birdie at the next hole.

The American was not done, driving the par-four 14th on his way to winning that hole, but Rose remained in the game, matching his opponent at the next three holes to take the game down the last.

Both men were around the green at the par-five 18th in two but while Rose chipped to within 10 feet, Mahan overcooked his lobbed attempt and was forced to concede the hole, ensuring that the spoils were shared.

Rose said: “That match is really high up there in terms of my career achievements. I felt good today and I played a great match.

“Hunter threw it all at me and I am just really proud of just getting back into the match. It’s an honourable halve, I would say.”

It was crucial for Europe, taking them to within one point of victory, and they went on to claim a comfortable 16.5-11.5 win, with Welshman Jamie Donaldson securing the winning point.

However, it is Rose who ended the event as the top scorer. Three victories alongside Henrik Stenson were followed by brave halves in the foursomes with Martin Kaymer and the singles to leave the 34-year-old unbeaten over the course of a busy five-match weekend.