FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (AP) — With a commanding lead, Europe entered the final day of the Ryder Cup fully expecting victory. However, the unexpected outpouring of emotion from the team turned the day into a rollercoaster of excitement as the American team mounted a fierce comeback. The atmosphere at Bethpage Black shifted dramatically, as the once-hostile crowd found a reason to cheer for the U.S. team, transforming the narrative from a guaranteed European win to a thrilling battle.
As the day unfolded, the excitement reached a fever pitch, especially when Shane Lowry, who faced a barrage of taunts from the New York crowd, secured the crucial half-point that Europe needed. His 6-foot birdie putt against Russell Henley not only sealed the win for Europe but also ignited a wave of celebration. Lowry expressed his elation, stating, “I have a chance to do the coolest thing in my life here,” showcasing the deep personal significance of the Ryder Cup to him and his teammates.
This victory marks Europe’s dominance in the Ryder Cup, having won 11 out of the last 14 matches, and this was their fifth win on U.S. soil in the last decade. European captain Luke Donald joined the ranks of Tony Jacklin as the only captains to win consecutive Ryder Cups. “They’ll be talking about this team for a long time,” Donald remarked, reflecting on the team’s resilience and unity throughout the competition.
Despite facing a daunting seven-point deficit, the American team showed determination, making the final day far more competitive than anticipated. Notably, players like Cameron Young and Justin Thomas secured last-hole victories, while Bryson DeChambeau managed to earn a halve after being five down. Notably, Scottie Scheffler avoided a blank slate by defeating Rory McIlroy, showcasing the competitive spirit of the U.S. team.
Another significant contribution came from Tyrrell Hatton, who remained unbeaten in four matches, earning a halve against Collin Morikawa, solidifying Europe’s overall victory with a final score of Europe 15, United States 13. This match was characterized by intense match play and strategic skill, with important moments that will be remembered in Ryder Cup history.
U.S. captain Keegan Bradley acknowledged the fierce competition, stating, “We gave it a good fight, that’s for sure.” The Americans tied a Ryder Cup record by winning 8.5 points from the singles matches, yet fell short of the 10 points needed for victory. Despite this loss, the U.S. retains a historical lead in the series with a record of 27-16-2 since its inception in 1927.
Bradley also reflected on the course setup at Bethpage Black, which has a reputation for being challenging. With trimmed roughs and soft greens due to heavy rain, he admitted, “I definitely made a mistake on the course setup. I should have listened a little bit more to my intuition.” This contributed to a day marked by numerous birdies, which are typically rare at this infamous course.
As Europe celebrates yet another victory, the Ryder Cup continues to be a symbol of sporting excellence and national pride. The rivalry between Europe and the United States adds an exciting layer to the sport of golf, ensuring that future matches will be highly anticipated. The emotional highs and competitive spirit displayed by both teams at Bethpage Black will be remembered for years to come, as fans eagerly await the next chapter in this storied competition.
