Rory McIlroy vs. Rickie Fowler: Recap, Twitter Reaction from 2014 Ryder Cup

Sunday's action at the 2014 Ryder Cup featured 12 one-on-one match play games, but the most anticipated matchup for many fans was Rory representing Team Europe squaring off against Rickie Fowler of Team USA.

Fowler may have played well throughout the event, but he ran into a buzz saw in on Day 3, who won the match 5 & 4. The Irish star took the lead on the first hole with a birdie and never relinquished it.

Mike McAllister of PGATour.com spoke to McIlroy after his win:

.@McIlroyRory on 5&4 win over @RickieFowlerPGA: 'I was probably more up for this day than probably two final days of the majors this year'

- Mike McAllister (@PGATOUR_mikemc) September 28, 2014

With both and Fowler just 25 years old, the future of the sport looks bright as these two young men did battle at Hotel. Here is the full scoring for the event, the one-on-one breakdown and a full recap of the matchup between and Fowler.

Source: PGATour.com

Breaking Down Rory McIlroy vs. Rickie Fowler

There were several marquee singles on Sunday, but none received the fanfare that the battle between and Fowler received. is the No. 1 player in golf, according to the Official World Golf Rankings, and he showed why he is the most dominant man in the sport on Day 3.

Fowler halved in three of his four previous at the 2014 Ryder Cup (including two halves against teams that featured ), but he was not prepared for the onslaught that awaited him from his Irish foe on Sunday.

Jason of GolfChannel .com talked about 's dominance this year vs. 2012:

Two years ago, Rory McIlroy showed up late and still won. As it turns out, he's even better when he shows up on time.

- Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelGC) September 28, 2014

dominated this matchup from the very first hole. Despite a solid par from Fowler to start the day, managed to sink a short-range birdie putt. He went one up and never looked back.

Before Fowler had a chance to collect his thoughts, won the second, third, fifth and sixth holes going five up by utilizing his powerful driving, his accurate iron play and his spot-on putting. Every time the American challenger would make an impressive shot, came back with one even better.

Five-up, four holes. Dominant. @McIlroyRory #RyderCup Live scoring: http://t.co/DhmDr1MWgO http://t.co/vBGvwQJVSW

- PGA.COM (@PGA_com) September 28, 2014

Eric of The Globe and Mail talked about 's dominance through six holes:

Rory McIlroy is on fire! Four birdies and an eagle in first six holes in singles. Rickie Fowler is getting crushed. #RyderCup2014

- Eric Reguly (@ereguly) September 28, 2014

As good as was to start Sunday, Fowler has too much talent to go out without a fight. He managed to steal a point back on seventh hole to bring the gap to four points, but could not capitalize on the momentum and the two men played all square through the 12th hole.

Golf insider Shane Bacon talked about 's front-nine performance:

Rory McIlroy's front nine - birdie, eagle, birdie, par, birdie, birdie, par, par, birdie.

- Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) September 28, 2014

finally scored another point on the 13th hole when he sank his seventh birdie of the day to open up a five-point gap. Add in the eagle on the second hole, and the world's No. 1 player was playing confident all day. Golf fan Jeremy shared his excitement:

Wow #rorymcilroy 7 birdies & 1 eagle in 13 holes and 5 up on Fowler! @PGA_rorymcilroy @rydercupEUROPE @SkySportsGolf http://ift.tt/1vkTzaM

- jeremy waud (@JeremyWaud) September 28, 2014

After maintaining the five-point lead on the 14th hole, sealed the 5 & 4 victory and gave the Europeans their first points of Day 3. The crowds roared when the final point was conceded, and he showed the emotion fans have come to expect at this bi-annual event.

The momentum McIlroy created in Scotland will have his confidence brimming as the end of the season approaches. He will be looking to have his game as sharp as possible when the PGA tour returns to Augusta in April for the Masters tournament.

Despite winning each of the other three majors before in his career, McIlroy has never one a green jacket from the Masters. After winning the British Open and the PGA Championship on top of his Ryder Cup performance, McIlroy is poised to make a splash at Augusta.

McIlroy may have failed to meet expectations on the first two days of the 2014 Ryder Cup, but he came to play on Sunday and set the tone for his entire team.