FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – Masters champion Rory McIlroy led the “Olé, Olé, Olé” chants with a European flag over his shoulders, celebrating Europe’s victory in the Ryder Cup.After enduring harassment from New York fans, McIlroy could finally breathe a sigh of relief as Europe overcame the furious comeback from the United States on Sunday, securing the coveted trophy with a 15-13 victory.Shane Lowry’s tie with Russell Henley in the eighth match gave Europe their 14th point, guaranteeing the retention of the Ryder Cup, following their triumph in Italy two years ago.Lowry holed a 6-foot birdie on the 18th, sparking wild celebrations for the visitors.
I’ve been lucky enough to experience incredible things in this sport, but those were the hardest hours of my entire life, honestly. I just can’t believe it. I can’t believe that ball went in. I stood over it saying: ‘This is it’.
Shane LowryAfter Lowry and Henley tied, Tyrrell Hatton tied with Collin Morikawa, securing the 14.5 points needed for the European victory.McIlroy had boldly predicted a European victory at the upcoming Ryder Cup in the United States, where they hadn’t won since 2012.
It’s good to be right. I’m not always right. I have absolute faith in this team, absolute faith in our leader, Luke Donald. The vice-captains, the support staff, the things that people don’t see behind the scenes. I believe we won in Rome, and everything was set in motion to try to do something that hadn’t been done in over a decade.
Rory McIlroy
Europe has won 11 of the last 15 Ryder Cups, including five of the last 10 on American soil.Donald became the second European captain to win two consecutive Ryder Cups, joining Tony Jacklin (1985, ’87).
I knew it would be difficult. I didn’t think they would be so tough on Sunday. They fought very hard, and all the respect for them. But this obviously means a lot to me and to the team. We came here knowing that the task was very difficult.
Luke Donald
Shane Lowry celebra el putt que aseguró que Europa retuviera la Ryder Cup. Carl Recine/Getty ImagesEurope only won one individual match on Sunday, with Ludvig Åberg defeating Patrick Cantlay (2 and 1), the lowest total since Great Britain had a record of 1-6-1 in 1957.The United States’ 8.5 points in singles was the most since 12 matchups were played.The American team had dug themselves too big a hole in the first two days of competition.
The Europeans won a confrontation today. You think about the odds of something like that happening, just with the flip of a coin would be incredible. But when you go out to play and you give your all to win, it shows you how proud these guys are and how much they want this and how much it means to them.
Keegan Bradley, United States captain
After dominating the first four pairing sessions and taking a 12-5 lead in singles, Europe needed only two points to retain the Cup, and the United States made them work hard for both.Scottie Scheffler, who was in danger of becoming the first American golfer to go 0-5 in the event, earned his first point by defeating Rory McIlroy 1 up in the first head-to-head matchup between the world’s No. 1 and 2 ranked golfers.
I fought really hard yesterday and the first day. Things just didn’t go as I anticipated, but I’m proud to be able to get a point today. It’s difficult; playing all five matches is exhausting. Rory and I even talked a little bit about that today. It was exhausting, and I’m pretty tired, but I’m proud of the fight our team showed.
Scottie Scheffler
Bryson DeChambeau rallied to tie his match with Matt Fitzpatrick after being 5 down after seven holes.Cameron Young, Ryder Cup rookie and New York native, earned the first point for the United States by defeating Justin Rose 1 up. Young was 3 up after 12 holes, but Rose won three of the next four holes to tie the match.Xander Schauffele defeated Jon Rahm, in a 4 and 3 victory.Justin Thomas ignited American hope by winning his match.Aberg’s victory over Cantlay brought Europe to within half a point of victory, leading to Lowry’s crucial effort on the 18th hole.The United States earned half a point even before the individual matches began, when Viktor Hovland was forced to withdraw from the Ryder Cup due to a neck injury. He was scheduled to play in the final match against Harris English.
