Farmingdale (United States) (AFP) – Europe fought off a thrilling United States rally to win an emotional Ryder Cup on Sunday with Irishman Shane Lowry securing the trophy on a dramatic six-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole. Lowry’s tension-packed putt lifted him into a tie with American Russell Henley for the half-point that clinched Europe keeping the trophy, and two late ties gave the visitors a 15-13 victory.
“That was the hardest couple of hours of my whole life,” a tearful Lowry said. “I just can’t believe that putt went in. I stood over it going ‘This is it.’ I said walking down 18, ‘I have a chance to do the coolest thing in my life.’ The Ryder Cup means everything to me… To do it out there today in front of everyone — it was so hard out there.”
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Europe’s triumph was their 11th in the past 15 Cup showdowns and their fourth on the road in that span, marking the first away victory since Europe’s 2012 “Miracle at Medinah.” “It was probably the most stressful 12 hours of my life,” Europe captain Luke Donald said. “I didn’t think they’d be this tough on Sunday. They fought so hard. But we got it done.”
Americans lead the all-time rivalry 27-16-2, but Europe leads 13-9-1 since the roster was expanded beyond Britain and Ireland in 1979. “I’m extremely proud to be a part of this team,” said second-ranked McIlroy, who went 3-1-1. “This was an unbelievable collective effort. It has been an amazing week.”
Europe seized a record 11.5-4.5 lead after the conclusion of the pairs sessions, which became 12-5 after Norway’s Viktor Hovland withdrew from singles due to a neck injury and his match with Harris English was declared a draw. Early losses by McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, and Justin Rose had Europe reeling. But Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg beat Patrick Cantlay 2&1 for the only Europe singles win of the day, and Matt Fitzpatrick, despite squandering a 5-up lead after seven holes, tied Bryson DeChambeau to put Europe on the brink.
Having won the Cup in Rome in 2023, Europe needed only 14 points to keep it while the Americans needed 14.5 points to recapture it, which would have taken the greatest last-day comeback in Cup history. It nearly happened, and tensions grew to epic levels before Lowry’s heroic finish.
– ‘Shane is a legend’ –
With Henley 1-up at the 18th tee, Lowry found the fairway and Henley a left bunker, but the American’s approach landed 10 feet from the hole. Lowry dropped his approach six feet from the hole, then watched Henley miss a putt to win the match. The Irishman sank his putt to win the hole, tie the match, and secure the Cup — then started dancing on the green.
England’s Tyrrell Hatton tied Collin Morikawa to ensure a Europe triumph, and Scotsman Robert MacIntyre tied Sam Burns to create the final margin. It was only four years ago that the US team inflicted the most lopsided rout in Cup history on Europe, winning 19-9 at Whistling Straits. The stinging loss had people talking of a US decade of domination, which inspired Europe.
“To hear the ‘Ole Oles’ here in America, to do something a lot of people thought we couldn’t do, means a lot,” McIlroy said. “What people were saying about American dominance, we took a lot of fuel from that.” McIlroy had been the lightning rod for much of the abuse hurled at European players from a raucous gallery, particularly during Saturday’s play when extra security was brought in to marshal his morning and afternoon matches.
“I don’t think we should ever accept that in golf. I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week,” said McIlroy. Europe skipper Donald, who guided Europe’s 2023 win at Rome, became the first captain to win back-to-back Cups since English compatriot Tony Jacklin in 1987. Asked about a return in 2027, Donald said, “I don’t think my heart can take two more years. We’ll see.”
Donald’s US counterpart Keegan Bradley, meanwhile, took sole responsibility for the loss. “The PGA of America put me in an amazing position to succeed. They gave me every resource. They gave me every option. I had everything at my fingertips,” Bradley said. “This is no one’s fault but mine. When you are the leader of the team… and you lose, you have to take the blame.”
© 2024 AFP
