Golf fan gets Ryder Cup winning ball

Golf fanatic Adrian Howe was today celebrating a stroke of luck - he caught the ball that won the Ryder Cup for Europe.

The father-of-one from Willenhall plucked the treasured momento out of the air after it was tossed into the crowd by triumphant Graeme McDowell, who was then happy to sign it.

The permanent reminder of the magical moment now has pride of place at Mr Howe's home in Walkers Fold, New Invention.

The 37-year-old, who has a handicap of 14 and plays at Bloxwich Golf Club, said today: "I was about 15 rows back when I heard a terrific cheer and then saw him throw the ball up into the air.

"I stuck my hand up to catch it. There was a bit of a fumble as it hit my fingers and fell to the ground but I quickly picked it up before anybody else could grab it.

"Then I put it in my pocket and went to celebrate with friends. As I left the hospitality tent I saw the players having their pictures taken with the Ryder Cup and joined the throng of supporters surrounding them.

"Paul McGinley, one of the vice captains of the Europe team, stopped to talk to us. He agreed to take the ball over to Graeme and get him to sign it."

McDowell did not have to sink the winning putt and kept the ball safely in his pocket after American opponent Hunter Mahan conceded defeat on the 17th green at Celtic Manor in South Wales on Monday afternoon.

But the Northern Ireland victor later threw it to the army of jubilant fans surrounding him during a TV interview and it was caught by Adrian.

Delighted customer services executive Adrian beamed: "I have no idea what it might be worth and I have no plans to sell it."

Adrian only got on the course after Bloxwich Golf Club member, Jason Lewis, who works for Caterpillar, gave three spare tickets to friends.

Guests on a corporate trip organised for customers of the firm could not stay for the extra day's play - and Adrian had a day off owing from work that he could take at short notice.

The final resting place for the signed ball is likely be a glass display case at Bloxwich Golf Club, although that plan has still to be confirmed.