The Americans were early favorites for the hole-in-one match, but in Europe the visiting team has not celebrated. European team captain Luke Donald thanked his players.
The European players’ will to win decided golf’s traditional hole-in-one match, the Ryder Cup in Rome, and the ten-thousand-strong home crowd got excited for a huge celebration. The Europeans, who went into the men’s match as underdogs, withstood the American team on Sunday and got to dance the victory dance with the trophy.
– My task was mainly to stay in the background. When there are 12 players who want to experience this race together with me, it’s a huge strength, said the captain of the European team Luke Donald at the award ceremony.
– The players hit all the shots, and I am grateful to them for that, Donald said.
Europe eventually won the match 16.5-11.5, continuing a tradition that has kept the USA out of control for decades when the Cup has been played in Europe. The USA’s previous away win is from 1993. Two years ago in the USA, the home team won by as much as 19–9.
After the doubles and fourball matches, Europe led by 10.5 to 5.5 points and needed four points from Sunday’s dozen singles matches to win the competition. The Americans played brilliantly in the singles, but in the end not enough.
Europe’s victory was assured when Tommy Fleetwood secured at least a draw in the match Rickie Fowler against.
Fleetwood eventually won her singles, and so did the Europeans Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, Rory McIlroy and a first timer Robert MacIntyre. They secured a draw point for Europe Jon Rahm and Shane Lowry.
In the intense match, excesses were not avoided. of the United States by Patrick Cantlay caddy Joe LaCava apologized to McIlroy on Sunday for his behavior on Saturday. LaCava broke golf etiquette by celebrating Cantlay’s successful putt while McIlroy prepared for his own putt.
Next Ryder Cup in New York
A week ago, the European women beat the US team in a similar competition when the women’s Solheim Cup was played in Spain.
The next Ryder Cup will be played in 2025 on Long Island, New York. The Solheim Cup returns to even-numbered years after the corona pandemic disrupted the competition rhythm. The women will also play next in the USA, in Gainesville, Virginia, in September 2024.