Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. Photo: DP World Tour
Team Europe clinched their first Ryder Cup victory on American soil in 13 years, surviving a ferocious U.S. fightback to triumph 15–13 at Bethpage on Sunday.
The day started with drama even before a ball was struck, as Europe were dealt a blow when Viktor Hovland was ruled out with a neck injury. That meant the envelope rule came into play, with Harris English – the U.S. name sealed inside – automatically matched against Hovland. Their contest was declared a half point each, giving Europe a 12–5 lead before the singles began.
With the hosts needing nine of the 12 points on offer, the tension never relented. Europe had looked in control for much of the week, but the Americans roared back with early red on the board. Shane Lowry, however, produced the moment of the day by sinking a nerveless six-footer on the 18th to secure the decisive half-point that ensured the cup returned across the Atlantic. Tears flowed as captain Luke Donald embraced his team, hailing their resilience in front of a hostile New York crowd.
Shane Lowry and Captain Luke Donald. Photo: DP World Tour
Luke Donald’s men had looked set for a comfortable defence. But the U.S. came storming back, winning five of the opening seven singles to put the contest back in the balance and ignite the New York crowd.
Europe steadied themselves when Ludvig Åberg defeated Patrick Cantlay 2&1 and Matt Fitzpatrick halved with Bryson DeChambeau, leaving Shane Lowry with the chance to retain the cup.
Two down with four to play against Russell Henley, Lowry produced a clutch approach at the 15th and eventually sealed the decisive point on the final green, sparking tears and wild celebrations. Moments later, Tyrrell Hatton’s half against Collin Morikawa confirmed Europe’s outright win.
Elsewhere, Robert MacIntyre halved with Sam Burns, but the remaining matches largely went the way of the Americans. Cameron Young edged Justin Rose, Justin Thomas beat Tommy Fleetwood, Scottie Scheffler held off Rory McIlroy, and Ben Griffin defeated Rasmus Højgaard. Xander Schauffele dismantled Jon Rahm 4&3, and J.J. Spaun overcame Sepp Straka.
Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood. Photo: DP World Tour
The victory makes Luke Donald just the second European Captain after Tony Jacklin to win a Ryder Cup both home and away and makes it back-to-back wins after the 2023 victory at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club.
“It’s been the most stressful 12 hours of my life,” Donald admitted. “But I couldn’t be prouder of how this team fought for history.”
The win ensures Europe’s fifth success on American soil since 1979, and one of their most dramatic in Ryder Cup history.
