Lead is enough – Europe’s golfers win Ryder Cup – Sport

After two years, the Europeans took the trophy back from the USA, despite the Americans coming on strong on the final day.

The Englishman Tommy Fleetwood secured half a point for the Europeans in Guidonia Montecelio near Rome in the individual against Ricky Fowler, giving them an unassailable 14.5:10.5 lead. This meant that Captain Luke Donald’s team was able to win the continental comparison against the favored defending champions from the USA.

It is the 8th Ryder Cup victory for Europe this millennium and the 13th overall (although a 14:14 was enough to defend the title in 1989).

The USA is catching up

The Europeans laid the foundation with strong performances in the four doubles sessions on Friday and Saturday, in which they gained a 10.5:5.5 lead. In the 12 individual events on Sunday, the Americans initially had the lead for the most part.

However, the Europeans resisted the guests’ attack: The Norwegian Viktor Hovland clearly beat Collin Morikawa (4&3 win), the Spaniard Jon Rahm fought for a draw on the last hole against the world number one Scottie Scheffler, the Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy defeated Sam Burns ( 3&1 success) and the Englishman Tyrrell Hatton won against Brian Harman with 3&2.

“Hat trouble” with McIlroy

On Saturday, an incident in fourball between the European duo McIlroy/Matt Fitzpatrick and the Americans Patrick Cantlay/Wyndham Clark caused trouble.

McIlroy accused Cantlay’s caddy of standing in his way and waving a hat in his view before his game-winning putt on the 18th green. After the Europeans lost the duel, McIlroy apparently had a tantrum in the parking lot. Donald defended his prominent player, but also demanded respect for the opponent.