Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland won their matches, Jon Rahm tied, and Tommy Fleetwood secured the winning point. Europe regained the trophy and Team USA’s away victory was delayed.
Team Europe emerged victorious in an intense battle against Team USA, with Tommy Fleetwood sealing the winning point. The final score stood at 16.5-11.5 in favor of Team Europe, as they celebrated their triumph in Rome.
Europe’s team had a strong start on the first day and extended their lead on Saturday. However, Team USA made a comeback in the fourballs session, narrowing Europe’s advantage. This set the stage for an exciting final day of singles matches at Marco Simone GC.
Europe needed four points to win back the trophy. They got closer to that goal when Viktor Hovland defeated Collin Morikawa, and Jon Rahm tied with Scottie Scheffler in the last hole. Rory McIlroy’s win over Sam Burns brought the hosts within reach of victory.
Patrick Cantlay won a point for the US by beating Justin Rose. Tyrrell Hatton’s victory over Brian Harman secured Europe’s 14th point, prolonging Team USA’s quest for an away Ryder Cup win.
Max Homa, Brooks Koepka, Xander Schauffele, and Justin Thomas all won matches to reduce the lead. However, Europe secured their seventh consecutive home victory when Fleetwood hit an impressive tee shot on the 17th hole, leading to a 3&1 victory over Rickie Fowler.
“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.”
Europe captain Luke Donald: “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.”
USA captain Zach Johnson: “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.”
The PGA Tour has the Sanderson Farms Championship in Mississippi, while the DP World Tour heads to Scotland for the Alfred Duhill Links Championship.
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