Europe retain the Ryder Cup!

Team Europe retained the Ryder Cup having narrowly edged ahead of Team USA to secure victory with a final score of 15 – 13. The exact winning moment came when Shane Lowry rolled in a 7-foot putt to half his match with Russell Henley, a feat that sent the Irishman dancing around the 18^th green.

Europe proved to be the dominant force throughout the foursomes and fourballs matches with the score come the end of the Friday being 5.5 – 2.5 which then extended to 11.5 – 4.5 after the Saturday. The Cup was looking decidedly European, but the mood went right the other way when the Americans dominated the Sunday singles matches, winning 6 of their games while Europe secured just 1 win.

With 5 matches ending in a tie, Europe secured just enough points to stay ahead of the Americans and retain the Ryder Cup with a 2-point victory. The environment was ecstatic all weekend with plenty of boisterous jeers and boos coming from the native New York spectators. An environment that Luke Donald felt had too often “crossed the line”.

“It was loud, it was raucous. What I consider crossing the line is personal insults and making sounds when they are trying to hit their backswings or very close to when they are trying to go into their routines. That did happen a bit.”

While McIlroy described the constant abuse as “really challenging” Lowry seemed to revel in it “It was intense. It was something I’ve never experienced. But this is what I live for. This is it. This is, like, honestly, the reason I get up in the morning, for stuff like this.”

When all was said and done, and Team Europe were on the winner’s podium lifting the Ryder Cup, Luke Donald gave a short speech that was full of admiration for his players “This is for Europe. This is for the legends that came before us. And this is for the future generations that will be talking about this team for a long time.”

The first time Europe has won the Ryder Cup on foreign soil since the Miracle at Medinah in 2012, this year’s tournament will certainly go down in history as one of the most thrilling in living memory. The Ryder Cup will next be on our screens at Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027. Could we have a Ryder Cup hattrick on the way as was the case with Europe winning 2010, 2012, and 2014?

We don’t blame you if the golf this weekend has inspired you to head out and play some golf yourself. If you’re visiting the club this week we’d be happy to help you with any of your golfing needs in the pro shop.