The European Team has won the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National, sealing a 17 ½-10 ½ victory over the U.S. Team.
Following three days full of action at the historic golf course near Paris, Thomas Bjørn’s 12-man team displayed an impressive focus and sense of teamwork.
“We got it right”
Bjørn, who boasts 21 professional wins, told Sky Sports: “We got it right this week. We worked as a team and we knew we were up against very strong opponents, but we went out on the golf course and believed in ourselves and what we stand for as a team.
“We never, ever looked towards…what they were about. We were about us as a team and what we do.”
Praising the European squad, the Danish-born captain called this year’s team room “the best I’ve ever been in”.
Calm and determined
“It was calm. It was determined. It was focused. It was fun. Everything that this Ryder Cup was, is what I think the Ryder Cup should be for a European Team,” he added.
Some standout players from the European side included The Open Championship winner Francesco Molinari—who won all his matches—and Sergio Garcia.
In addition to strong play, Garcia—who was one of Bjørn’s wildcard picks—also broke the all-time Ryder Cup points record with 24 ½ points, pushing previous record holder Nick Faldo down the historic leaderboard.
A well-deserved victory
Jim Furyk, captain of the U.S. Team, said Europe’s win was very well-deserved: “They played some great golf this week.
“Thomas was a better captain and their team outplayed us. They deserved to win. They played well,” he added.
The winning European Team was made up of Paul Casey, Tommy Fleetwood, Sergio Garcia, Tyrell Hatton, Rory McIlroy, Francesco Molinari, Alex Norén, Thorbjørn Olesen, Ian Poulter (captain’s pick), Jon Rahm, world number one Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson (captain’s pick).
The 2018 U.S. Team, captained by Furyk, included Bryson DeChambeau, Tony Finau (captain’s pick), Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson (captain’s pick), Patrick Reed, Webb Simpson, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Bubba Watson and Tiger Woods.
2020 Ryder Cup
The next Ryder Cup is scheduled to take place from 25-27 September. This time it will be played on American soil at the Whistling Straits Golf Course in Wisconsin.
See also: Ryder Cup Spectator Blinded in One Eye