McIlroy and Europe Celebrate Ryder Cup Victory
In Farmingdale, New York, Rory McIlroy was the epicenter of the European celebration after the victory in the Ryder Cup. Two years after predicting the triumph at Bethpage Black, Shane Lowry’s birdie on the 18th hole turned his words into prophecy. The joy, however, began without him. Lowry, euphoric, joined in the chants of the European fans. Jon Rahm embraced his compatriot and vice-captain José María Olazábal, who couldn’t contain his emotion. The European captain, Luke Donald, could finally breathe a sigh of relief. McIlroy had lost his individual match against Scottie Scheffler, which for a moment put the victory in doubt. After trailing 12-5, the American team attempted a comeback that kept the excitement until the end.
McIlroy stayed on the course, supporting Tyrrell Hatton and Robert MacIntyre. Even after Lowry’s putt, he remained on the course until the last match, which secured the European victory by a close 15-13.“It was very tight at the end, it was a little stressful,” McIlroy said.
Rory McIlroy
Beyond the continuity, with 11 out of 12 players from Rome, there is a cohesion in the European team that is easy to perceive. It manifests in the way they celebrate each hole won and in how they react to adversity. It is evident when they embrace after a crucial putt, projecting a brotherhood that goes beyond the professional. The 72-hole stroke play demands concentration and patience. The match play format and the fourball also do, but in the last two Ryder Cups, the Europeans have seen these formats as an opportunity to demonstrate their unity (14-2 in foursomes). Team play is their strength, which allowed them to lead and counter the American points. In the last 12 years, the United States has had an advantage in talent, but Europe has found joy in unity.“It’s good to be right. I’m not always right,” McIlroy said about his prediction. “I think when we won in Rome, it set everything in motion to do something that hadn’t been done in over a decade. We believed a lot in our continuity.”
Rory McIlroy
It’s easy to attribute European success to factors outside of American control. “They made more putts,” said Keegan Bradley. “Luck was on their side,” commented Bryson DeChambeau. However, Europe has shown that it is not just that. It is chemistry, emotion, talent, and precision on and off the field.“Ryder Cup weeks are the best of our lives. They are the ones we remember and cherish the most, because of the time we spend together. That’s a big part of my captaincy, creating an environment where these guys have the best weeks of their lives, honestly,” Donald commented.
Luke Donald
“His communication skills…”, McIlroy added. Donald focused on details such as the design of the uniforms inspired by winning teams and the comfort of the players in the hotel. “It’s about taking the time and taking care to give these guys the best opportunity,” Donald said. “You want to create an environment where they can succeed.” The European team, under Donald, has achieved the balance between tangible and intangible preparation.“The level of professionalism he has shown us in the last four years… His attention to detail…”, said Jon Rahm about Donald.
Jon Rahm
“I feel the power of the group, that ability to concentrate, to want a little more,” said Justin Rose.
Justin Rose
As Donald finished, McIlroy wiped away the tears, sealing the historic victory.“We will always remember this. We will go down in history,” Donald said. “Future generations will talk about this team and how they managed to overcome one of the most difficult environments in the sport, and that’s what inspires me, that’s what Rory and the other 11 guys understand.”
Luke Donald
