Europe reclaim Ryder Cup after victory in Rome, video higlights

Marking their seventh consecutive home Ryder Cup win Team Europe has triumphed over Team USA with a 16.5-11.5 victory.

The 2023 Ryder Cup culminated in a 16.5-11.5 victory for Team Europe over Team USA at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. Despite a spirited singles charge from the American side, Europe maintained its stronghold, marking its seventh consecutive home victory.

Tommy Fleetwood played a decisive role, moving 2-up against Rickie Fowler with two holes to play, eventually winning 3 and 1. Fleetwood’s performance was emblematic of a European team that was highly motivated and cohesive, as noted by European captain Luke Donald, who praised his team for forming a bond “from day one.”

“This is the best. This is why the Ryder Cup is so special to me and to these guys because of these moments,” Donald said after the victory.

“We play for each other and we get to share in that success together, and we get to spend this week together and we’ll share those memories forever.”

Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland set the tone with early victories, while Jon Rahm secured a crucial half-point against Scottie Scheffler. The European team had started the day needing just four points to reclaim the trophy they lost in a 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits two years ago.

Despite a surge from the American team that momentarily quieted the home crowds, Europe managed to halve the singles session 6-6, effectively quashing any hopes of a historic American comeback.

McIlroy’s performance was particularly noteworthy, especially in light of the “hat-gate” incident on Day 2 involving him and Joe LaCava, Patrick Cantlay’s caddie. The incident, which McIlroy described as “disgraceful,” added fuel to his determination on the final day with emotions overflowing once victory was sealed.

” I was focused. I was very focused. I let it fuel me,” McIlroy said. “I didn’t let it take way from what’s been a fantastic week. I used that little incident last night to my advantage.”

On the American side, U.S. captain Zach Johnson took responsibility for the loss, citing “poor decisions” in his leadership. Max Homa emerged as the USA’s best player at the event with 3.5 points. However, the American team could not recover from a 4-0 sweep in the opening foursomes on Friday, continuing a trend of not winning on European soil since 1993.

Patrick Cantlay, who had been a subject of controversy during the event, managed to edge out Justin Rose 2 and 1, but it was not enough to tip the scales in favour of Team USA.

The final day was marked by jubilant scenes, especially after the match between Shane Lowry and Jordan Spieth was halved, sealing Europe’s victory. The win shifts the historical Ryder Cup tally, with Europe now holding 12 wins to the United States’ 9, with one tie.

The result adds a new layer to the storied competition and sets the stage for future Ryder Cups, with both teams already looking ahead to the next showdown at Bethpage Black in New York.

Final Day Single Matches