Europe successfully defended their Ryder Cup title in a nail-biting final day showdown against the USA at Bethpage Black in New York. Shane Lowry clinched the crucial winning putt on the 18th hole against Russell Henley, leveling the match and propelling Luke Donald’s team to the required 14-point mark.
Following Lowry’s heroics, Tyrrell Hatton tied his match with Collin Morikawa, securing Europe’s victory with 14.5 points. The intense battle continued as Robert MacIntyre halved his match against Sam Burns, resulting in a final score of 15-13 in favor of Europe.
Needing just two and a half points from 12 singles matches on the last day, Europe’s task was reduced to two after Viktor Hovland withdrew due to a shoulder injury, resulting in a halved match against Harris English. However, wins by Cameron Young, Justin Thomas, and Xander Schauffele over Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, and Jon Rahm respectively narrowed the gap and raised the stakes for the European team.
Ludvig Aberg’s victory on Sunday against Patrick Cantlay brought Europe within touching distance of glory. Matt Fitzpatrick’s match against Bryson DeChambeau ended in a tie, leaving Europe needing just one more halved match from the remaining six to secure the win.
Despite a strong performance, Scottie Scheffler delayed Europe’s celebration by defeating Rory McIlroy. JJ Spaun also claimed a victory over Sepp Straka. The tension climaxed when Lowry calmly secured the half point needed for Europe’s triumph, sparking jubilant scenes among his teammates.
In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, an emotional Lowry expressed his deep attachment to the Ryder Cup, emphasizing the significance of the win. He praised captain Luke Donald for his exceptional leadership, describing the victory as a dream come true.
Looking ahead to the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland, Lowry expressed excitement about the prospect of playing on home soil. Despite a late resurgence by the USA, Europe sealed the victory, with Hatton’s halved match with Morikawa confirming their triumph.
Reflecting on the intense competition, Donald commended the American team for their resilience and acknowledged the challenges they faced. He expressed pride in his team’s unity and determination, highlighting their place in Ryder Cup history.
Europe’s dominance in the early stages of the competition set the tone for their eventual success, with strong performances in the foursomes and fourballs contributing to their commanding lead. Notable players like Fleetwood and Hatton maintained impressive winning records throughout the tournament, solidifying Europe’s claim to the Ryder Cup title.