In Farmingdale, New York, the European victory at the Ryder Cup was a moment of celebration that found Rory McIlroy at the epicenter of the emotion.
After predicting triumph at Bethpage Black, McIlroy’s words became prophecy, sealed by Shane Lowry’s putt on the 18th hole. The party, however, began without him.
Lowry, euphoric, joined the European crowd that acclaimed him. Jon Rahm embraced his compatriot José María Olazábal, captain of the last team to win a visiting cup in 2012, who was moved on his shoulder. Luke Donald, the European captain, could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
McIlroy, after losing his individual match against Scottie Scheffler, watched as the possibility of an American comeback in the Ryder Cup became tangible. The score, 12-5, reflected the intensity of the moment.Rory McIlroy y sus compañeros europeos celebran su victoria 15-13.The tension was palpable. The previously hostile American fans were now cheering for their team. McIlroy, for his part, stayed on the course, moving from one match to another, seeking support. Finally, the European victory was realized with a score of 15-13.
It’s good to be right. I’m not always right. I think when we won in Rome, everything was set in motion to try to do something that hadn’t been done in more than a decade. We believed a lot in our continuity.
McIlroyThe cohesion of the European team, evident in their celebrations and in their response to adversity, was key. While the Americans saw the game formats as obstacles, the Europeans transformed them into opportunities to demonstrate their unity. Teamwork was their strength, allowing them to lead and contain the American comeback.Luke Donald y Rory McIlroy ganaron su segunda Ryder Cup consecutiva.
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, because of the time we can spend together. That is a big part of my captaincy, to create an environment in which these guys are having the best weeks of their lives, honestly.
Donald
Keegan Bradley and Bryson DeChambeau attributed the European success to luck and putts. However, Europe demonstrated that chemistry, emotion, talent, and precision, both on and off the field, are essential.
The level of professionalism you have shown us in the last four years. Your attention to detail…
Jon Rahm
His communication skills…
McIlroy
Donald, in his captaincy, focused on the details, from the design of the uniforms to the improvements in the hotel rooms. His goal was to create an optimal environment for the team’s success.
I feel 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.
Justin Rose
El equipo europeo posa con la Ryder Cup después de vencer al equipo de EE. UU. en Bethpage Black.At the end of the day, McIlroy, exhausted but victorious, ascended to the 18th hole. After enduring the pressure and insults from the American fans, he was greeted by a crowd of European supporters chanting his name.
At 36 years old, Grand Slam champion McIlroy became the center of another away victory. The victory at Medinah in 2012, his second Ryder Cup, was a turning point in his career.
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 most difficult environments in all of sports and that’s what inspires me, that’s what Rory and these other 11 guys understand, too.
Donald
While Donald was finishing his answer, McIlroy, next to him, wiped away his tears.
