McIlroy and Europe Celebrate Ryder Cup Victory
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – Excitement erupted at Bethpage Black, but Rory McIlroy wasn’t the first to be found among the euphoria. Two years after predicting a victory at this course, Shane Lowry’s birdie putt on the 18th hole turned McIlroy’s words into prophecy. The celebration had already begun without him. Lowry, radiant, joined the European crowd, who cheered him with chants. Jon Rahm embraced his compatriot and vice-captain José María Olazábal, who shed tears on his shoulder. The European captain, Luke Donald, could finally breathe a sigh of relief. McIlroy had lost his singles match against Scottie Scheffler, which momentarily generated the possibility of a historic debacle. The United States, after coming back from a 12-5 deficit, had reduced the difference, making the Ryder Cup more exciting than ever.
Beyond keeping 11 of the 12 Roma players, the cohesion of the European team is remarkable. It manifests in the celebration of each hole won and in their response to adversity. It is evident in their mutual support, where camaraderie surpasses rivalry. 72-hole golf demands concentration and patience. The match play and alternate shot formats do too, but in the last two Ryder Cups, the Europeans have seen these formats as an opportunity to demonstrate their unity. Team play is their strength. In the last 12 years, the United States has had the advantage in talent. However, the Europeans have found joy in every encounter, valuing unity above all else.It’s good to be right. I’m not always right. I think when we won in Rome, the wheels were set in motion to try and do something that hadn’t been done in more than a decade. We believed a lot in our continuity.
McIlroy
It’s easy to attribute European success to external factors, such as luck, but Europe has shown that chemistry, emotion, and precision, both on and off the field, are key.Ryder Cup weeks are the best of our lives. Those weeks we spend together 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 are having the best weeks of their lives, honestly.
Luke Donald
The level of professionalism he has shown us in the last four years. His attention to detail…
Jon Rahm
Donald revealed details of his approach, from the design of the uniforms to the improvements in the hotel rooms, always seeking to offer the best conditions to his players.Your communication skills…
McIlroy
The European team, under Donald, has achieved a balance between tangible and intangible preparation, perfecting the team’s unity.Simply taking the time and having the care to want to do everything possible to give these kids the best opportunity. You want to create an environment where they can succeed.
Luke Donald
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 bit more. The answer to your question is I don’t know, other than the badge and the guys, honestly. That’s all that matters, honestly, the badge and the guys.
Justin Rose
As Donald finished his answer, McIlroy, sitting next to him, wiped away his tears.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.
Luke Donald
