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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Your support makes all the difference.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.
Where to go for the US?
There will be an enquiry into this defeat for America who looked a far cry from the team who romped to a record victory just two years ago.
Some of the captain’s picks didn’t deliver, there were rumours of a fractured dressing room and they were completely blown away over the first two days, especially in the foursomes.
They will be huge favourites in Bethpage in 2025, that is for sure, but they appear no closer to solving the riddle of an away Ryder Cup victory. A reminder that they haven’t done so since 1993...
Rory McIlroy speaking to Sky Sports
“An incredible day, incredible week. I am so proud to be part of this team with all these guys, the captains and vice-captains.
“We were hurting after Whistling Straits and the players on that team that came here wanted to redeem ourselves and prove to the world that is not who we are. We delivered a great performance.”
“There was a bit of fresh blood came in and they were embraced. We know the future of this team is Bob MacIntrye, Ludvig Aberg and Nicolai Hojgaard. Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm are going to be leaders of the team for a long time so it was a bit of a changing of the guard this year but the new guys were embraced by the group that were here already.
“There was one eye on this week but also one on the future of this team and I just hope I can play a few more alongside them.
“I don’t get emotional about any other event apart from this. It is without doubt the best event in golf bar none. I said this last time but any little boy or golf that is aspiring to play golf - this is the pinnacle. This is what you want to get to. This is pure competition and the best. I hope that any great golfer gets to experience what we’re experiencing right now.”
Bob MacIntyre, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live earlier
“It was nerve-wracking. I trusted myself and the guys around me. Those finishing holes are tough so just about trying to get your point and see what happens. Thankfully we finished it off.
“It’s incredible. This is a completely different team from a few years ago. The top guys are absolutely solid and stalwarts on the PGA Tour. For me being in that team with these guys, I have learned so much. I am never going to forget this for the rest of my life.”
Individual records
Rory McIlroy and Max Homa end up with the most points for their respective teams. Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Robert MacIntyre were the only three players to unbeaten this week, with the Scot finishing as the top European rookie.
Some very disappointing returns from several of the US players. Rickie Fowler is the only person to not pick up a point but just one point each for Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, Jordan Spieth and Xander Schauffele which is quite the surprise.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola congratulates Tommy Fleetwood and Team Europe
More from Luke Donald speaking at the trophy ceremony
“First of all, I want to congratulate the US - 12 superstar golfers. It was a pleasure to play against you and compete this week. We have twelve legends, twelve gladiators and I couldn’t have been prouder to be their captain. This is an unbelieavable feeling. We new this wasn’t going to be easy after Whistling Straits but we came together and we won back the cup.
“When you have 12 golfers like this that are willing to go on this journey with me and enjoy this experience and understand what the Ryder Cup truly means to us, it’s a powerful. I was able to create an environment for them to suceed but these guys come Friday had to hit the shots and I’ll be forever grateful for them.”
On the fans: “You guys have been amazing. You got us going this week when we needed to be picked up so thank you for your energy and for your passion and what a place to do it here in Rome.”
Trophy ceremony under way
The players shake hands as Europe take their place alongside the trophy. They break out into cries of “two more years,” as captain Luke Donald begins to make his winning speech.
I’ve heard worse ideas...
Jon Rahm speaking to Sky Sports
“Two years ago we had a bad defeat, never really had a chance. We then had the pressure of a home Ryder Cup and not losing here for 30 years. We felt the pressure so to come out with the victory after struggling was special. The most special one for me so far.
“Every player won a point. It is not easy being a rookie but those players showed why they deserved to be here. The future is bright. We have proved the talent is there.”
On Luke Donald: “He has done an unbelievable job as captain. He is a great man for the job and will be difficult to live up to. He set the bar very high.”
Justin Rose speaking to Sky Sports
“The highs and lows of winning the Ryder Cup are so far away from each other. You win, you feel like a hero, you lose, you feel like zero. To win, and celebrate with this group of guys that bonded so hard it has been a collective team effort.
“We came here two weeks ago and we had an opera singer on the tee which gave us goosebumps. We played at Wentworth as individuals but it felt like you had 11 brothers already.
We were unbeatable in teamplay. We came out strong, we never looked back; they threw everything at us but it wasn’t enough this time around. We never underestimated them - they are all studs in their own right but the culture of this time is incredible.”
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