Despite Europe's failure to claim a fourth consecutive victory in the biannual tournament, the competition lived up to its hype as one of the best sporting events in the world.

Golf of the highest quality on a magnificent course will always captivate, but there is a certain edge that the Europe v America clash generates that makes it even more watchable.

That said, the aftermath of Europe's defeat has almost solely focused on everything but the golf itself.

Captain Nick Faldo's decisions have been questioned, the role of the crowd has been scrutinised, the behaviour of the American players and it would hardly have been a surprise if the colour and design of the American flag was held responsible.

It is a trend that has been around for a while – in all sports – and shows little sign of abating.

When a team or an individual loses, all manner of factors are blamed.

Britain lose to Austria in the Davis Cup? The players haven't worked up the crowd enough.

England lose a Test match to South Africa at Headingley? They picked a bowler to make his debut.

England's footballers don't qualify for the European Championships? They don't care enough.

England's rugby team struggle in the Six Nations? The coach needs to be replaced.

The list goes on and on – the referee was poor, the conditions didn't suit, we were tired, it's not our priority – but the unpalatable truth is rarely let out of the bag.

There are times when a defeat is caused by uncontrollable factors but not as often as those at the coalface would have you believe.

"I don't want to make excuses, but..." is now rolled out so regularly that whatever impact it's supposed to have has been registered close to worthless.

It is if as though admitting the obvious cause is a sign of weakness and that all future performances could be affected if any mention is made.

Given that sport consists of more than one person or team trying to win whatever it is they are playing for, it is the individual or team that scores the most runs, goals, tries, points, runs quickest, jumps highest etc that (nearly always) wins.

For all of Faldo's gaffes, Europe lost in Kentucky for one reason only.

Whisper it quietly, but America just happened to play the better golf.