Europe retain Ryder Cup after holding off stunning United States fightback
By Andy Hampson, PA, New York
Europe have retained the Ryder Cup after holding off a dramatic fightback from the United States at Bethpage Black.
The host side, trailing by seven points heading into Sunday’s singles session, roared back into contention with a series of tight wins but the holders just did enough to cling on.
Shane Lowry delivered the crucial half-point in match number eight, taking Europe to 14 points by holing a putt to tie against Russell Henley.
Tyrrell Hatton then added another half in the 10th match to ensure an outright victory.
Ludvig Aberg claimed Europe’s only singles win and a further half came from Robert MacIntyre to make the final score 15-13.
It was a first away win for the team since 2012 and only a fifth since the contest was expanded to include continental players in 1979.
That the contest became so close was a testament to the remarkable individual talent in the US ranks and a fighting spirit there had been little evidence of over the first two days.
Luke Donald’s side led 11.5-4.5 overnight and needed just two-and-a-half points to retain the trophy.
The target was reduced to two when Viktor Hovland withdrew injured and his match against Harris English declared a draw.
The tide began to turn as Cameron Young and Justin Thomas edged thrilling battles on the 18th green against big guns Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood respectively and Xander Schauffele overpowered Jon Rahm 4&3.
Aberg finally stemmed the tide as he beat Patrick Cantlay 2&1 and Matt Fitzpatrick held off a storming fightback from Bryson DeChambeau to halve his match having led by five after eight holes.
Yet the Americans continued to fight and Scottie Scheffler, after four defeats in the opening two days, saw off Rory McIlroy in a titanic struggle between the world’s top two that also went to the 18th.
It was a tough defeat on McIlroy after playing brilliant golf all week in the face of a hostile crowd.
He was again heckled throughout but emotions did not boil over as much as they did on Saturday.
Scheffler’s performance, coming after four defeats in the first two days, maintained the red momentum on the scoreboards that continued as JJ Spaun beat Sepp Straka.
Lowry also appeared to be facing defeat as he fell two down to Russell Henley after 14 but he responded immediately at the 15th and trailed by only one heading down the 18th.
A superb second shot then allowed him a shot at birdie after Henley was forced to settle for a four.
He held his nerve impressively to finally take Europe to 14 points and guarantee the trophy would at least be retained.
That prompted a mass exodus of American fans to the exits and even though Rasmus Hojgaard lost his match to Ben Griffin, Hatton and MacIntyre did enough to halve their matches against Collin Morikawa and Sam Burns respectively.
