Ryder Cup: Europe Clinches Victory at Bethpage Black

The intense competition at Bethpage Black escalated dramatically, but Europe managed to secure their win in the Ryder Cup.

Shane Lowry earned the crucial 14th point needed to retain the Cup, sinking a birdie putt on the 18th hole to tie his match with Russell Henry. Tyrell Hutton also stepped up, securing the final half-point needed against Colin Morakawa.

As Rory approached the 18th hole, both he and Henry struck impressive iron shots. Henry, riding high on US expectations, initially won his match, but his birdie attempt ended just short of the hole.

It was a tense moment filled with historical significance as emotions ran high on the course.

Lowry celebrated joyously with his teammates, family, and friends, clearly overwhelmed by the moment.

Europe ended the second day leading 11.5 to 4.5, marking the largest deficit faced by the US team in the current 28-point format. The atmosphere shifted again after Viktor Hovland had to withdraw due to a neck injury, leading Harris English to sit out, which resulted in a draw due to event rules.

With only needing 2 points from 11 matches to become the first repeat champions—after having won three in a row from 2010 to 2014—pressure mounted on Europe.

Yet, scoring that elusive pair of points proved difficult. The US team rallied, clinching three consecutive points, with Cam Young and Justin Thomas both making birdies on the 18th to win their matches.

Bryson DeChambeau came back from being down in his match against Matt Fitzpatrick to tie it up, while Ludvig Aberg’s victory over Patrick Cantlay (2 & 1) pushed Europe to 13.5 points. However, they failed to maintain a lead throughout the matches after that.

Amidst hostility from the US crowd, Lowry endured the toughest moments, a challenge for anyone paired with Rory McIlroy during the Ryder Cup.

This event marked the first time an away team won the Ryder Cup since Europe’s remarkable comeback in Medina back in 2012.

Europe dominated early on, winning the first four sessions, with three of those matches ending in a 3-1 score.

The US squad struggled to regain footing at Bethpage Black during the first two days of play, but the tide felt different on Sunday. Almost all 11 matches stretched into at least the 17th hole, with a good number reaching the full 18 holes.