The last victory or the last point is always the hardest to achieve. The Europeans can confirm this. They faced more energetic and combative Americans and waited until the end of the day in Rome to get their hands on the coveted Ryder Cup.
• Also read: Ryder Cup: The Europeans have orchestrated the perfect storm
• Also read: [À VOIR] Ryder Cup: There are heated arguments between Rory McIlroy and members of the US team at the 18th and in the parking lot
And yet, after two days of emotion, Luke Donald’s side were in full control, fighting to reach the final half-point that would allow them to regain the small golden trophy, symbol of golf’s supremacy between Europe and the United States .
Ultimately, it was Tommy Fleetwood who ensured his return to the Old Continent representatives’ locker room when he defeated Rickie Fowler in 16th and 17th place in the penultimate duel of this final day of competition.
Tommy Fleetwood secured the final half-point the Europeans needed to win the Ryder Cup in the 16th pennant. He also gave his team the full point by officially defeating Rickie Fowler on the 17th hole. Photo AFP
By sunrise at Marco Simone Golf Club, Zach Johnson’s men trailed by five points and needed to pull off a miracle to retain the trophy. The five wins weren’t enough.
They ultimately lost 16.5 to 11.5 in front of a clan fueled by the energy of the Italian crowd, the skill of Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland and the fighting spirit of Jon Rahm.
“We were in a great position at the start of the day. We knew it was within reach. We stuck to the same plan and started strong. We played as a team and used the crowd as a source of energy,” explained captain Donald.
Photo AFP
“In this tournament, emotions vary and change in a single impulse,” he added. At one point I looked at the board trying to find a way to get the 14.5 needed to win, but in the end we did it more easily. »
A redemption
Europe’s headliners have been waiting for this moment for two years. After being humiliated at Whistling Straits, they wanted to turn things around by redeeming themselves and proving that it too was a mistake.
Photo AFP
“It wasn’t revenge, it was redemption, to show what we can do,” said McIlroy, whose record of four wins and one loss was his best performance in seven appearances at the tournament.
“The journey over the last two years has been a process. There was a plan. We had known him for months. We knew how to implement it. When we got here at the start of the week we had to stay authentic and true to our abilities and show that we know how to play. This is the result. It’s incredible. »
With an influx of new blood, Donald’s men performed well over the three days of hostilities, winning three of the five scheduled sessions and also leveling the score in the singles matches yesterday.
By coming out of the starting blocks energetically from day one, they made the task almost impossible for their opponents.
Victorious plan
The Euros stood out for their passionate play and the succession of their brilliant shots. Just think of Rahm, McIlroy, Hovland and Co., who have gradually anchored the stake in the hearts of their rivals.
“I have established a good culture of success on this team and have designed a plan that shows them that they will win,” said an emotional Donald after his team’s victory. They had to play well and they did. I’m glad they trusted me. »
The 12 Euro unanimously wanted the captain to return in two years. The tournament will be held at the impressive Bethpage Black Golf Course in New York, where spectators will certainly give the men dressed in blue and yellow no quarter.
Final result:
Europe: 16.5 / United States: 11.5
Individual duels
(Golfers’ final record)
Jon Rahm v. Scottie Scheffler: Draw
(2-0-2) (0-2-2)
Victor Hovland vs. Colin Morikawa: 4&3 EUR
(3-1-1) (1-3)
Justin Rose v. Patrick Cantley : USA 2&1
(1-1-1) (2-2)
Rory McIlroy vs. Sam Burns: 3&1 EUR
(4-1) (1-2)
Matt Fitzpatrick v. Max Homa : USA at 1
(1-2) (3-1-1)
Tyrrell Hatton vs. Brian Harman: 3&2 EUR
(3-0-1) (2-2)
Ludvig Aberg v. Brooks Koepka: USA 3&2
(2-2) (1-1-1)
Sepp Straka v. Justin Thomas: USA at 2
(1-2) (1-2-1)
Nikolai Hojgaard v. Xander Schauffele : USA 3&2
(0-2-1) (1-3)
Shane Lowry v. Jordan Spieth: Draw
(1-1-1) (0-2-2)
Tommy Fleetwood vs. Rickie Fowler: 3&1 EUR
(3-1) (0-2)
Robert MacIntyre vs. Wyndham Clark: EUR 2&1
(2-0-1) (1-1-1)
Points per session
Friday morning: 4-0 EUR
Friday afternoon: 2.5-1.5 EUR
Saturday morning: 3-1 EUR
Saturday afternoon: 3-1 USA
Sunday: 6-6
Europe: 16.5 – USA: 11.5