Europe stave off valiant USA fightback to regain Ryder Cup in Rome
Two years after a record defeat, Luke Donald’s European team beat the United States 16.5-11.5 to reclaim the Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in the Eternal City.
Golf
Team Europe survived a few nervous moments to regain the Ryder Cup at Rome's Marco Simone Golf and Country Club on Sunday (1 October).
Luke Donald's team completed a 16.5-11.5 win over the United States with Tommy Fleetwood birdying the 16th hole against Rickie Fowler to seal Europe's victory.
The hosts led 10.5-5.5 overnight meaning they only needed four points from Sunday's 12 singles matches to seal a seventh consecutive triumph on European soil.
With Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy easing to respective victories over Collin Morikawa and Sam Burns, and Jon Rahm winning the last hole to earn a half against world number one Scottie Scheffler, the finish line looked in sight.
But Zach Johnson's visitors, needing the greatest final-day comeback in the history of the matchplay golf showpiece, roared back into contention with the middle matches all looking good for the Americans.
Patrick Cantlay earned their first point of the day, beating Rio 2016 Olympic champion Justin Rose 2&1.
The scoreboard had turned increasingly American red, but the Europeans managed to staunch the bleeding with Fleetwood securing the crucial half - which he soon converted to a full point - to take his team to the magical 14.5-point mark and prompt huge celebrations.
Seconds later, Shane Lowry guaranteed himself a half against Jordan Spieth as the party really got started.
USA's reigning Olympic champion Xander Schauffele finished his disappointing week on a high note with a 3&2 win over Denmark's Nicolai Højgaard.
The final day singles were shared with Europe and USA winning five matches apiece and tying the other two, as the Americans' barren run in Europe continued. The Belfry in 1993 was the last time the United States won the Ryder Cup on European soil.
Donald said, "It was stressful, the U.S. put up a fight but I'm so proud of my 12 guys. We formed a strong bond from day one and they gave me everything. They trusted me and they delivered for me.
"Our guys got off to a great start, the early guys, which is what we needed. Wanted some blue on the board early and then a few matches changed to red and you just kept looking at the board, kept looking at the board.”
Team USA won 19-9 two years ago at Whistling Straits, the most lopsided scoreline since Europe replaced Great Britain and Ireland in 1979.
They will look to win back the coveted trophy at Bethpage Black on Long Island, New York in 2025.
2023 Ryder Cup - Day 3 singles results (Europe first)
Jon Rahm tied with Scottie Scheffler
Viktor Hovland def. Collin Morikawa 4&3
Justin Rose def. Patrick Cantlay 2&1
Rory McIlroy def. Sam Burns 3&1
Max Fitzpatrick lost to Max Homa 1 up
Tyrrell Hatton def. Brian Harman 3&2
Ludvig Åberg def. Brooks Koepka 3&2
Sepp Straka lost to Justin Thomas 2 up
Nicolai Højgaard lost to Xander Schauffele 3&2
Shane Lowry tied with Jordan Spieth
Tommy Fleetwood def. Rickie Fowler 3&1
Robert MacIntyre def. Wyndham Clark 2&1
Overall: Europe 16.5, USA 11.5
Ryder Cup 2023: Team Europe player points
Captain: Luke Donald
Vice Captains: Thomas Bjorn, Edoardo Molinari, Francesco Molinari, Nicolas Colsaerts, Jose Maria Olazabal
Players (Three from European Points List, three from World Points List, plus six Captain's wildcard picks):
- Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) - 4 points
- John Rahm (Spain) - 3 points
- Victor Hovland (Norway) - 3.5 points
- Tyrrell Hatton (England) - 3.5 points
- Robert MacIntyre (Scotland) - 2.5 points
- Matt Fitzpatrick (England) - 1 point
- Tommy Fleetwood (England) - 3 points
- Sepp Straka (Austria) - 1 point
- Justin Rose (England) - 1.5 points
- Shane Lowry (Ireland) - 1.5 points
- Nicolai Højgaard (Denmark) - 0.5 points
- Ludvig Åberg (Sweden) - 2 points
Ryder Cup 2023: Team USA player points
Captain: Zach Johnson
Vice Captains: Steve Stricker, Davis Love III, Jim Furyk, Fred Couples
Players (Six from U.S. Rankings List, plus six Captain's wildcard picks):
- Scottie Scheffler - 1 point
- Wyndham Clark - 1.5 points
- Brian Harman - 2 points
- Patrick Cantlay - 2 points
- Max Homa - 3.5 points
- Xander Schauffele - 1 point
- Sam Burns - 1 point
- Rickie Fowler - 0 points
- Brooks Koepka - 1.5 points
- Collin Morikawa - 1 point
- Jordan Spieth - 1 point
- Justin Thomas - 1.5 points