- Fan jumps into lake at Marco Simone Golf Club as Europe secures victory
- Other spectators soon joined in as the U.S.’s 30-year winless streak in Europe continues
- LIVE: Follow Mail Sport’s blog for coverage of all the 2023 Ryder Cup action
A Ryder Cup fan could hardly contain his excitement after Europe reclaimed the trophy in Rome on Sunday afternoon.
After Tommy Fleetwood’s 3-1 win over Rickie Fowler in the singles match, victory for Team Europe was guaranteed.
One fan decided to celebrate by jumping into a lake on the 18th green at Marco Simone Golf Club as Europe continued its impressive record on home soil.
Video footage shows that other spectators soon joined in as Team USA’s 30-year winning streak in Europe continued.
Victory for Team Europe will undoubtedly taste even sweeter after an exciting weekend of action in Rome.
Team Europe secured victory over Team USA in the Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome on Sunday
A fan celebrated the victory by throwing himself into the lake on the 18th green after Tommy Fleetwood secured the win
Rory McIlroy was livid Saturday night when Patrick Cantlay’s caddy Joe LaCava joined Cantlay’s hat-waving celebrations instead of moving out of his eyeline for a crucial putt that saved the day’s final game.
The Northern Irishman admitted after his singles win against Sam Burns on Sunday that the incident had inspired the European team to victory.
McIlroy said: “I needed that to strengthen myself today and not take away from a great week. “I used it to my advantage and came here with a different level of focus and determination. I think it helped the whole team – it lit a bit of fire under our bellies.’
The 34-year-old was seen on track toasting the victory with a bottle of champagne after teammate Fleetwood’s crucial moment.
Rory McIlroy was visibly emotional as he celebrated his singles win against Sam Burns on Sunday
The European team was furious with caddy Joe LaCava after he celebrated in front of McIlroy as he prepared for a crucial putt to save Saturday’s final game
Team Europe captain Luke Donald added: “The USA fought, [I am] so proud of my 12 boys; a strong bond from day one and they gave me everything. They trusted me and delivered for me
“That’s why the Ryder Cup is so special because of these moments for me and these guys.” We play for each other and can share in this success together. We are spending this week together and will share these memories forever.”
Donald and his team’s celebration wasn’t as loud as some fans on the 18th green, but the emotions of victory were clear to see.
The 16.5-11.5 victory marks an impressive turnaround from the comprehensive 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits in 2021.