Europe Triumphs on American Soil (Comprehensive)

45th Ryder Cup Victory for Europe
Final Score 15-13, Win by 2 Points
Back-to-Back Champions, First Away Triumph in 13 Years

Europe delivered a victory message on American soil. On September 28 (local time), at the Bethpage Black Course (par 70, 7,352 yards) in Farmingdale, New York, the European team added 3.5 points in the 12 singles matches on the final day of the 45th Ryder Cup golf competition against the United States, securing a final total score of 15-13 to win the event.

Europe claimed the title for the second consecutive time, following their win at the 2023 Rome tournament, and celebrated their first victory in the United States in 13 years since 2012. Although Europe trails the United States in the all-time record with 16 wins, 2 draws, and 27 losses, they have dominated since 2000 with 9 wins and 3 losses.

Luke Donald (center), captain of the European team, and players are cheering while holding the trophy right after winning the 45th Ryder Cup away. Farmingdale (New York) = Photo by Reuters

By the previous day, Europe had virtually secured the championship by taking a commanding 11.5-4.5 lead in the 16 fourball (where both players play their own ball and the better score counts for the team) and foursome (where two players alternate shots with one ball) matches.

In the singles matches, Europe fell behind the United States with 1 win, 5 draws, and 6 losses. Ludvig Aberg (Sweden) secured Europe’s only singles win, defeating Patrick Cantlay by 2 holes in the fifth match. In the eighth match, Shane Lowry (Ireland) earned a crucial draw against Russell Henley, reaching the 14-point mark needed to clinch victory. Viktor Hovland (Norway) withdrew due to a neck injury. In the Ryder Cup, if a player withdraws, the match is recorded as a draw rather than a forfeit.

Shane Lowry is roaring after securing a draw on the 18th hole of the singles match on the final day of the Ryder Cup, clinching victory for Europe. Farmingdale, USA ? Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

Europe prepared thoroughly for the away competition in the United States. Their local adaptation training paid off. Captain Luke Donald (England), vice-captains, players, and support staff boarded a charter flight to New York immediately after the DP World Tour BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club near London ended on September 14. Ten days before the tournament began, the team conducted a group inspection of the Black Course.

Europe achieved a decisive victory in the battle of aces. World No. 2 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) played in five matches during this tournament, recording 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. His only defeat came in the singles match against world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, losing by 1 hole.

In contrast, American star Scheffler struggled with 1 win and 4 losses. He suffered four consecutive defeats in the foursome and fourball matches, becoming the first American player to lose all four matches by the second day of the Ryder Cup. He also became the first American since Steve Stricker in 2012 to record four losses in a home Ryder Cup in 13 years. Fortunately, he avoided a fifth straight loss by winning his singles match on the final day.

Europe ace Rory McIlroy is celebrating with the trophy immediately after winning the Ryder Cup. Paingdale, USA=AFP Yonhap News Photo by AFP

The United States lost not only in competition but also in sportsmanship. American fans crossed the line with their cheering. In particular, boos grew louder before McIlroy’s pre-shot routine and putting attempts. They disrupted McIlroy’s play, hurling personal insults and profanities. Some fans taunted McIlroy by referencing his loss at last year’s US Open or suggesting that his Masters victory this year was simply due to luck.

Ultimately, during the morning foursome match on the second day, McIlroy shouted “shut up” toward the gallery. In the afternoon fourball match, New York police were deployed onto the course. Lowry even pointed out a fan to the police, asking for their removal from the course. Two fans who behaved inappropriately were ejected. McIlroy shook his head, saying, “It’s a bit much to keep booing right up until I take my shot.”

Europe and the United States will face off again in two years, in 2027, in Ireland. This will be the second Ryder Cup held in Ireland, following the event in 2006.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.