Darren Clarke has admitted that his European side are "bitterly disappointed" after losing the Ryder Cup to USA at Hazeltine.

Davis Love III's team prevailed by a 17-11 scoreline as they claimed their first triumph for eight years, and Europe skipper Clarke has acknowledged that their hosts deserved their victory.

The 48-year-old told Sky Sports News: "We are all bitterly disappointed. We knew that we had a lot to do after that opening morning session and the guys fought hard.

"There was a lot of blue early on and the guys put up a massive fight but the American guys showed their class and holed their putts. The bottom line is the better team won."

Europe were never ahead during the whole event after USA claimed a whitewash in the opening foursomes on Friday.