McIlroy may, however, rue a succession of missed long birdie chances as his putting often failed to match his long game.

Johnson had already finished, having sunk a long birdie putt on the 18th for his 66.

Yet the Northern Irishman may rue several missed long birdie chances as his putting often failed to match his stellar approach play.

He hit a long birdie putt to within concession range to clinch the 18th point, and the Cup, for the United States.

Spieth, 22 from Dallas, moved ahead again with a third straight birdie, as English's long birdie putt at the par-three 13th slid just past.