Team Europe thwarted a late surge from Team USA to regain the Ryder Cup with a thrilling 16½-11½ triumph in Rome.
Team Europe, captained by Luke Donald, dominated the opening two days of the tournament meaning his team only needed four points from Sunday’s 12 singles matches to reach the 14½ mark to defeat Team USA and regain the trophy.
England’s Tommy Fleetwood secured the winning point for Team Europe after winning the 11th match 3&1 over Rickie Fowler with thanks to a sublime tee shot into the par-three 17th. But it is was Ireland’s Shane Lowry who wrapped up the victory in the last remaining singles match at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club with the tournament ending 16½-11½ to the Europeans.
“I really didn’t want it to come down to one of us at the back,” Fleetwood said. “I can’t wait to see the rest of the guys, I can’t wait to see the captain, our wives and the rest of our families.
“I’m just so happy to play a part in it and so proud to be part of this team. We’ve done what we came here to do. I couldn’t wish for a better bunch of people to do this with. It has been so amazing. It’s the coolest experience.”
Luke Donald praised his teams performance on the course and suggested that the group may remain together in the coming years.
“This is why the Ryder Cup is so special to me and the guys. We play for each other, we will share those memories forever. I gave them a good culture and prepared, but then it was staying out of the way. They had to do it and play well. These guys will be around for a long time and we will put up a great fight in two years’ time.”
Team USA captain Zach Johnson conveyed his disappointment but commended the European team for their high level of performance.
“If I have any reflection right now it’s that you take your hat off, tip your cap – whatever the cliche is – to Team Europe and Luke. They played great and they earned it. Very impressive. We got outplayed, but we showed grit, we showed heart and then it got interesting there.
“We had some momentum coming into the day and even some during the day. I’m proud of my guys – they’ve got so much heart and grit. It’s not them. It’s on me. I maybe made some poor decisions… I’ll reflect at some point. But it’s not about those 12 guys. I’m grateful for each and every one of them.”
This victory for Team Europe not only extends their unbeaten streak on home turf to over 30 years but also marks the fifth consecutive Ryder Cup victory for the home team.
The next edition of the Ryder Cup will take place at Bethpage Black between 26-28 September 2025.
The PGA TOUR season will now continue with the Sanderson Farms Championship between 5-8 October at the Country Club of Jackson in Mississippi.