Europe win back Ryder Cup after epic final day battle
Europe won the Ryder Cup 17 ½ to 10 ½ on Sunday after storming to the finish line in the singles – securing 7½ of the 12 points on offer.
Leading 10 points to six heading into the singles on Sunday, Thomas Bjorn’s men were on the verge of defeating an American team that was believed by many to be greatest of all time.
It looked a bit rocky for a while as the Americans came out firing in several of the opening matches, at one stage closing the gap to just one point, but the Europeans rallied superbly to ultimately inflict one of the more comprehensive defeats in Ryder Cup history.
Europe stuttered at first though, losing two of the three opening matches – Justin Thomas beat Rory McIlroy, Paul Casey and Brooks Koepka halved and Webb Simpson overcame Justin Rose.
Jon Rahm stopped the rot though with a fearless toppling of Tiger Woods, handing the 14-time major champ his fourth straight defeat at Le Golf National this week.
VAMOS JON RAHM!#TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/4izECi6EFK
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) 30 September 2018
But while Tony Finau caused a major upset when he stopped the in-form Tommy Fleetwood, Europe had momentum on their side and were not be denied.
Wins for Ian Poulter over World No 1 Dustin Johnson, Thorbjorn Oleson over Jordan Spieth, Sergio Garcia over Rickie Fowler and Francesco Molinari over Phil Mickelson ensured the cup returned to European soil after Darren Clarke’s charges lost it at Hazeltine in 2016.
These wins were significant individual achievements too: Poulter maintained his incredible unbeaten record in Ryder Cup singles by beating the world’s best player.
This guy. pic.twitter.com/kezepteFzN
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) 30 September 2018
Garcia became the most successful Ryder Cup player in history with his 25th-and-a-half point.
The moment @TheSergioGarcia became the all-time leading point scorer in #RyderCup history!#TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/YlfIylYg2V
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 30, 2018
And Molinari became the first player from either side to claim five points at a Ryder Cup since the USA’s Larry Nelson in 1979.
#TEAMEUROPE HAVE WON THE RYDER CUP BACK!!!!! pic.twitter.com/7Pgo7CrxFp
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) 30 September 2018
As for Olesen, many felt the rookie was going to get mauled by an in-form Jordan Spieth, but he rose to the task with an emphatic 5&4 win.
Despite the outcome being decided, some matches were still on the go.
Patrick Reed nicked a consolation point for America when he fended off a brave challenge from Tyrrell Hatton.
That was only for Henrik Stenson and Alex Noren to further lengthen the gap between the two teams as they drubbed Bubba Watson and Bryson DeChambeau respectively.
OLE OLE OLE OLE!!!!!!#TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/gXIuV5dwyq
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) 30 September 2018
“I don’t even think I can quantify to let you guys know how much it means,” said Poulter after maintaining his incredible unbeaten solo record.
“You see it in the emotion when we hole putts. You see it in the emotion of the fans. To be able to represent Europe is extremely special.
“To be able to win this thing back is even more special.”
Latest
-
Equipment
Miura targets wider market with hollow-bodied IC-602 irons
Miura are out to build on their existing market with new clubs that cast a slightly wider net in terms of player quality.
-
Videos
WATCH: Young woman steps up confidently to drive – and loses club behind her
Golf’s influencer girls can make it look easy.
-
Equipment
Pros give their verdict on Callaway Chrome Tour and Chrome Tour X balls
Callaway staffers have now had a good period of time to get used to their new ball offerings, the Chrome Tour and Chrome Tour X.
-
Videos
WATCH: 7 times the pros horribly fluffed their shots like the rest of us
Just when you think you have it all figured out.
-
Equipment
Collin Morikawa switches his putter again – and marvels at ‘incredible’ results
Collin Morikawa isn’t a professional who changes clubs lightly but he also isn’t averse to moving with the times.
-
Videos
WATCH: Kid pulls off unbelievable flop shot over his dad’s head
The flop shot is all about getting up and down with precision and this kid has it all.
-
Equipment
The clubs that helped Peter Malnati end his title drought at the Valspar Championship
Titleist staffer Peter Malnati ended his long wait for another championship at Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course.
-
Videos
WATCH: Amateur golfer takes hacking to a new level – leaving crowd in fits of laughter
Hackers are going to hack.