Europe conquers the Ryder Cup: McIlroy predicted the triumph in USA

McIlroy Prophetic: Europe Conquers the Ryder Cup in an Epic Duel

In Farmingdale, New York, golfer Rory McIlroy predicted victory at Bethpage Black. Two years later, Shane Lowry’s putt on the 18th hole turned his words into a fulfilled prophecy. The celebration, however, began without him. Lowry, euphoric, joined the European crowd that acclaimed him. Jon Rahm embraced his compatriot and vice-captain José María Olazábal, visibly moved. The European captain, Luke Donald, could finally breathe a sigh of relief. McIlroy, after losing his individual match against Scottie Scheffler, saw how the possibility of a historic defeat for Europe became present. The United States, after overcoming a 12-5 deficit, put the Ryder Cup on fire.

Suddenly, every point was crucial. American fans ignited, cheering on their team and setting aside the boos for the Europeans. McIlroy, for his part, depended on everyone but himself.

It was really close at the end. It was a little stressful.

Rory McIlroy

McIlroy stayed on the course, supporting Tyrrell Hatton and Robert MacIntyre, seeking to offer his support with his presence. Even when Lowry’s putt secured the cup, he remained until the last match, which defined 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 and do something that hadn’t been done in more than a decade. We believed a lot in our continuity.

Rory McIlroy

Beyond repeating 11 of the 12 Roma players, the cohesion of the European team is evident. It manifests in the way they celebrate each hole or match won, and in how they react to adversity. Team play is, without a doubt, their strength, allowing them to take an insurmountable lead and curb the point surge they won or tied 11 of the 12 individual matches on Sunday. In almost every Ryder Cup of the last 12 years, the United States has had the advantage in talent. But even in defeat, the Europeans find joy, in part due to their vision of the week.

Ryder Cup weeks are the best of our lives. I think those weeks we spend together are the ones we remember most and 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.

Luke Donald

It’s easy to attribute the impressive European performance to factors outside of American control.

They made more putts.

Keegan Bradley

Luck was on his side.

Bryson DeChambeau

Perhaps it’s that simple. But Europe has shown that it is not. That chemistry is needed as much as data. That emotion is needed as much as talent 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…

Rory McIlroy

On Sunday, with the cup already in his hands, Donald revealed some details. The European uniforms were designed based on those of the previous winning teams, but that’s just the beginning. Donald mentioned that in the team’s hotel room, the cracks in the doors that let in light were fixed and the bedding was changed for greater comfort. The shampoo was also replaced with one of better quality and aroma.

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

Luke Donald

Perhaps the greatest feat of this European team is that, under Donald’s direction, they have mastered the balance between preparation for the tangible (pairings, sheets, time differences) and the perfection of the intangible.

I feel the power of this, the power of the group, who knows what it is, that ability to concentrate, 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 the only thing that matters, honestly, the badge and the guys.

Justin Rose

At the end of Sunday afternoon, with the retention and victory secured, McIlroy finally ascended to the 18th hole, exhausted. For three days, he faced pressure in Long Island, endured insults from American fans, and emerged victorious, ready to be celebrated by the European fans chanting his name. “¡Roooooory! ¡Roooooory!” When the Europeans won at Medinah in 2012, McIlroy, aged 21, was playing his second Ryder Cup. Now, at 36, a Grand Slam champion, he became the focus of another victory as a perfect closer.

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 also understand.

Luke Donald

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