Europe conquers the Ryder Cup: McIlroy and Donald lead the victory in USA

McIlroy and Europe Celebrate Ryder Cup Victory

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – Rory McIlroy, the undisputed protagonist. Two years after predicting his triumph at Bethpage Black, McIlroy’s words came true, thanks to Shane Lowry’s birdie on the 18th hole on Sunday. The celebration, however, began without him. Lowry, euphoric, joined the European crowd, who acclaimed him with chants. Jon Rahm embraced José María Olazábal, who was crying on his shoulder. The European captain, Luke Donald, could finally breathe a sigh of relief. McIlroy had lost his crucial singles match against Scottie Scheffler, and for a moment, the possibility of being part of the biggest debacle in Ryder Cup history seemed real. The United States, after trailing 12-5, had staged a comeback that kept the excitement until the end.

Rory McIlroy and some of his European teammates celebrate their 15-13 victory.Suddenly, every point mattered. American fans cheered, rooting for their team and putting aside the mockery of the Europeans. McIlroy needed everyone’s support.

Obviously, it was very close at the end. It was a bit stressful.

McIlroy

McIlroy remained on the course, supporting Tyrrell Hatton and Robert MacIntyre. Even after Lowry’s putt that secured the cup, he stayed present until the last match, which sealed the European victory by a close 15-13.

It’s good to be right. I’m not always right. I think when we won in Rome, the mechanisms were put in place to try to do something that hadn’t been done in more than a decade. We believed a lot in our continuity.

McIlroy

Beyond the continuity of eleven out of twelve Roma players, there is a cohesion in this European team that is difficult to define, but easy to observe. It manifests in the way they celebrate each hole or won match, and also in how they react to defeats. It is appreciated when, after a crucial putt, they embrace their teammates, showing a closeness that transcends the relationship of business partners and becomes brotherhood. Golf requires concentration and focus. Stroke play demands patience and rewards consistency. In the last two Ryder Cups, it has become clear that while Americans see these formats as obstacles, Europeans see them as an opportunity to demonstrate their unity. In almost every Ryder Cup of the last 12 years, the United States has had the advantage in talent. However, even in defeats, the Europeans have found reasons for joy, in part, because of how they approach this event.

Ryder Cup weeks are the best weeks of our lives. I think those weeks we spend together are the ones we remember the most and the ones we appreciate the most for the time we spend together. That’s a big part of my captaincy, creating an environment where these guys are having the best weeks of their lives, honestly.

Donald

It’s easy to attribute the impressive European performance to factors beyond the control of Americans.

They made more putts.

Keegan Bradley

He was lucky.

Bryson DeChambeau

But Europe has shown that it is not that simple. It takes chemistry, emotion, and precision both on and off the field.

The level of professionalism he has shown us in the last four years. His attention to detail…

Jon Rahm

His communication skills…

McIlroy

Donald revealed some details that show his dedication, such as designing the uniforms inspired by previous winning teams, repairing the room doors to prevent light from entering, changing the bedding for greater comfort, and improving the shampoo in the rooms.

It’s simply taking the time and having the care to want to do everything possible to give these guys the best opportunity. You want to create an environment where they can succeed.

Donald

Perhaps the greatest feat of this European team has been, under Donald’s direction, to master the balance between tangible and intangible preparation.

I feel like the power of this, the power of the group, who knows what it is, that ability to focus, the ability to want it a little more. The answer to your question is that I don’t know, apart from the badge and the guys, honestly. That’s all that matters, honestly, the badge and the guys.

Justin Rose

The European team poses with the Ryder Cup after defeating the US team at Bethpage Black.At the end of Sunday afternoon, McIlroy, exhausted, climbed to the 18th hole. For three days, he endured the criticism of American fans and emerged victorious, ready to be acclaimed by his European followers. “Roooooory! Roooooory!” In 2012, at 21 years old, he played his second Ryder Cup. Now, at 36 years old, McIlroy is a Grand Slam champion and a key player in another victory as a visitor.

We will always remember this. We will always go down in history. Future generations will talk about this team tonight and what they did and how they were able to overcome one of the toughest environments in all of sports and that’s what inspires me, that’s what Rory and these other 11 guys understand too.

Donald

As Donald finished, McIlroy, sitting next to him, wiped away his tears.