Team Europe has triumphed in the Ryder Cup, reclaiming the prestigious trophy from the American team. Shane Lowry’s clutch 6-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole secured Europe’s victory, with Tyrrell Hatton also contributing to Europe’s success by halving his match. This win marks Europe’s 11th triumph in the last 15 matches.
Luke Donald made history by becoming the first European captain to achieve back-to-back victories in the Ryder Cup since Tony Jacklin in 1985 and 1987. Notably, Donald led his team to victory on U.S. soil at Bethpage Black, despite facing boisterous and hostile American fans.
In a surprising turn of events, the final score stood at Europe 15, United States 13. Although the American team showed resilience and mounted a late comeback, winning 8 1/2 points from the 12 singles matches, it was not enough to overcome Europe’s lead.
Lowry’s remarkable performance, including birdying three of the last four holes, sealed the victory for Europe. This victory adds Lowry’s name to the list of Irish Ryder Cup heroes, joining the likes of Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke, and Paul McGinley.
Despite the American team’s valiant effort, Europe’s dominance in the modern Ryder Cup era is evident, with Europe securing the cup 13 out of 19 times since 1979. The road victory at Bethpage Black further solidifies Europe’s prowess in away matches.
The intense competition at Bethpage Black saw Europe maintaining a record seven-point lead before the start of the singles matches. The American team needed to win nine of the 11 matches to secure victory, ultimately falling short in their valiant comeback attempt.
Reflecting on the match, U.S. captain Keegan Bradley acknowledged Europe’s superior performance, noting that the American team was outplayed. The tournament showcased a unique blend of birdies, rowdy crowd behavior, and European celebrations, highlighting the thrilling and competitive nature of the Ryder Cup.