Europe holds off US comeback to retains Ryder Cup title

(AFP) Europe survived a spectacular comeback by the United States on Sunday to retain the Ryder Cup, winning 15-13 thanks to a dramatic putt from Ireland's Shane Lowry.

The home team began the day trailing by seven points but energized their fans at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, threatening one of the biggest comebacks in Ryder Cup history. 

In the first two rounds, the European team remained unbeatable in the pairs formats, unfazed by a highly hostile crowd that greeted them with boos and insults.

The title seemed all but decided for the visitors, who entered Sunday with an 11.5–4.5 lead, the largest in the 45 editions of the event.

Before taking the field, Europe added another half point when Norwegian Viktor Hovland withdrew with a neck injury, resulting in a halved match against local player Harris English.

The Europeans needed just two wins in the remaining 11 singles matches to retain the title they won in 2023 in Rome.

But, in an unexpected twist, Europe’s key players began to lose one after another.

"The coolest thing in my life"

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, who had won all four of his doubles matches, lost 1-up to world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who salvaged personal pride after losing all his previous matches in the tournament.

Spain's Jon Rahm, very solid over the weekend, lost to Xander Schauffele 4&3.

England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose also lost their matches as Europe began to see the American comeback closing in.

Sweden's Ludvig Aberg halted the U.S. surge by defeating Patrick Cantlay 2&1, while England’s Matt Fitzpatrick, despite giving up a five-up lead after seven holes, halved his match with Bryson DeChambeau, leaving Europe on the verge of victory.

The hopes of thousands of U.S. fans were dashed when Shane Lowry sank a six-foot putt to halve his match with American Russell Henley.

That half-point gave Europe the 14–11 lead they needed to secure the win.

"This was the hardest two hours of my entire life. I just can't believe that putt went in," said Lowry, who was moved to tears.

"As I was walking to (hole) 18 I said to myself, 'I have a chance to do the coolest thing of my life.' The Ryder Cup means everything to me,'" he said.

U.S. still in the lead

Even if the United States had won the remaining three matches, Europe would have retained the title as the reigning champion.

With the outcome already decided, locals Collin Morikawa and Sam Burns halved their match with Tyrrell Hatton, while Robert MacIntyre and teammate Ben Griffin defeated Rasmus Hojgaard 1-up.

"It was probably the most stressful 12 hours of my life," said Europe captain Luke Donald. "I didn't think they would be that tough on Sunday. They fought so hard, but we pulled it off."

"I couldn't be more proud of these guys and what they've been through. They will go down in history," he said.

The United States remains atop the Ryder Cup trophy standings with 27 wins, 16 losses, and two draws, though Europe has claimed 11 of the last 15 editions.

Europe has also dominated the records since 1979, when it began including players from beyond the United Kingdom and Ireland, posting 13 wins, nine losses, and one draw.