Ryder Cup 2023 LIVE: Day 3 scores and updates as McIlroy helps Europe hold off USA comeback to secure victory
Europe saw off a late thrilling late fightback from the USA to get over the line
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Europe have won the Ryder Cup after holding off a late fightback to defeat USA 16.5-11.5 on a dramatic final day of singles at Marco Simone.
The Europeans were led from the front by an inspired Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy, who put captain Luke Donald’s side on the verge of victory.
But the Americans showed fight and character with the middle of the leaderboard turning into a sea of red, forcing Europe to hold their nerve and close it out.
After Max Homa denied Matt Fitzpatrick, who missed a putt to clinch the cup, the winning half-point was secured by Tommy Fleetwood down the stretch, getting Europe past the magic 14.5 mark with his victory over Rickie Fowler. And the final match was left to Shane Lowry and Jordan Spieth, with the American snatching a half surrounded by chaos on the 18th as joyous European fans started the party in Rome.
Follow all the reaction and latest updates from Rome as Europe win the Ryder Cup.
Europe win fiery Ryder Cup over USA after Tommy Fleetwood seals triumph
Europe won this raucous Ryder Cup in Rome, but only just. Fired up by clashes between the two teams on Saturday night, USA came out battling in the Sunday singles and almost pulled off a miracle at Marco Simone. Match after match turned red on the board but Europe held back the sea, and it was left to one of the most popular members of the team, Tommy Fleetwood, to finish the job in an understated moment on the 16th green.
Shane Lowry’s tied match with Jordan Spieth was the final act on the 18th green, but by then the European party had already started and Lowry just wanted to join in. It finished 16½ - 11½, but that score did not tell the story of a nervy day. “At one stage it was looking dodgy,” Lowry admitted, “but I had faith in the boys to get it done.”
This was a ferocious and often emotional three-day battle which ended with tears on both sides, but it was really won on the first morning. The scores from Friday afternoon onwards were almost dead level, but that 4-0 whitewash in the opening foursomes gave USA an almost impossible hill to climb. The postmortem will be revealing, but it seemed like Europe were more united and better prepared, and it gave them a winning platform.
Read the full report as Europe regained the Ryder Cup:
Europe win fiery Ryder Cup over USA after Tommy Fleetwood seals triumph
Tommy Fleetwood wrapped up Europe’s 16½ - 11½ victory as Europe won back the Ryder Cup in style – but with a few late nerves
Rory McIlroy, Europe’s rockstar, finally has his Ryder Cup ‘redemption’
“35 years of overachievement, it’s unbelievable,” Rory McIlroy said with a smirk and a shrug in a quiet corner behind the 18th green at Marco Simone Golf Club. “It just keeps happening.”
It was a reference to Europe’s recent Ryder Cup dominance in team golf, with Sunday’s dominant victory over the USA the 10th in the last 14 editions. McIlroy was bouncing towards the trophy presentation. A stark difference from his demeanour following Whistling Straits two years ago. Then, there were tears, despite victory over Xander Schauffele in the singles, as the USA completed a crushing victory.
“I just can’t wait to get another shot at this,” he remarked at the time. And true to his word, the Northern Irishman and Europe stormed out the gates in each session, securing “redemption” in the process.
Rory McIlroy, Europe’s rockstar, finally has his Ryder Cup ‘redemption’
The Northern Irishman helped Europe to claim back the Ryder Cup in Rome on a dramatic day of Sunday singles
That’s all for now
An unforgettable week ends in victory for Europe in front of their own fans!
From Viktor Hovland’s chip-in on the very first hole to Tommy Fleetwood’s winning putt on Sunday, it was three days full of drama, excitement and golfing brilliance.
Golf at its best.
The countdown begins to Bethpage in 2025. Can Europe win it in America for the first time since 2012? Only time will tell...
Thanks for tuning in throughout the week - until next time!
Ryder Cup stars urge ‘phenomenal’ Luke Donald to stay on as European captain
Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup stars have urged Luke Donald to remain as captain when they defend the trophy on American soil in 2025.
While Tony Jacklin and Bernard Gallacher led the side on multiple occasions, it has been common practice since 1997 for the captain to only get one bite of the cherry, even if they spearheaded record victories.
However, Donald’s players made it clear they would like the former world No 1 to break the mould as they chanted “two more years” while he gave a television interview in the aftermath of the five-point victory in Rome.
“I think everyone sitting here would be very happy to have him again,” Rory McIlroy said in the winning team’s press conference.
Tommy Fleetwood, who secured the winning point, added: “Luke is amazing, we are all so proud of him.
“From when this whole process started, he’s been so, so good. The way he’s been this week has been phenomenal. We just look at Luke on another level. He’s been amazing and I’m so happy that we could all get it done for him.”
Ryder Cup stars urge ‘phenomenal’ Luke Donald to stay on as European captain
The players chanted ‘two more years’ while Donald gave a television interview after Team Europe’s five-point victory in Rome
The final day in pictures as Europe win the Ryder Cup
A look at some of the best photos from today’s momentous day:
The final day in pictures as Europe win the Ryder Cup
Rory McIlroy and captain Luke Donald were emotional after a 16.5-11.5 success in Rome.
The winning moments
It got a bit dicey towards the end but the Ryder Cup eventually was won by a moment of magic from Fleetwood on the 16th hole. A beautiful drive set up this eagle putt which confirmed that Europe would reach the magic 14½ points needed to regain the trophy.
Here’s that moment:
European captain Luke Donald emotional after ‘stressful’ Ryder Cup win
Emotional European captain Luke Donald reflected on a “stressful” afternoon after his team got over the line to regain the Ryder Cup.
Europe held off a spirited display from the United States in Sunday’s singles to clinch a memorable 16.5-11.5 triumph in Rome.
Tommy Fleetwood’s 3&1 win over Rickie Fowler ultimately sealed victory, one which had looked likely since Europe’s 4-0 whitewash in the foursomes on Friday morning.
Donald said: “Pretty emotional. It’s been a long process, it’s been an amazing journey and I enjoyed this one. It was stressful. The US put up a fight today and hats off to them. Unbelievable, but I’m so proud of my 12 guys.”
Read more of the captain’s thoughts below:
European captain Luke Donald emotional after ‘stressful’ Ryder Cup win
Europe regained the trophy in Rome on Sunday
Europe complete the double
With victory in the Ryder Cup, Europe have completed the double having retained the Solheim Cup the week prior.
Add to that victories in both junior editions of the tournament and it’s been a fantastic few weeks for the sport in this continent.
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