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.
Straka-Thomas heads up the last
Sepp Straka v Justin Thomas 1UP (17)
Onto the 17th and it’s advantage US as Thomas’s ball just clings on to the left edge of the green. Straka coaxes his birdie putt down for par from over 30 feet but Thomas has a putt for the match.
It’s a great effort but just misses on the right side! Up the last they had. Can Straka get the magic half point this time?
Jack Rathborn reporting from Marco Simone:
“Homa, Burns, Morikawa and Scheffler watched Thomas on that birdie putt to win the match against Straka. JT can’t make it and the quarter are frozen, meanwhile Fitzpatrick and Aberg leap up off the ground, renewed hope for the Austrian as we head to the 17th.
“A second chance for Europe to pinch that crucial half point at the last from one down.”
Huge put from Spieth to take lead
Shane Lowry v Jordan Spieth 1UP (15)
Wow. How many twists and turns do you want? Spieth dropped back to all square on 14 but pours in a birdie on the very next hole to get back ahead again.
America leading in the next four matches with Europe only up by one in the final two.
Anyone’s palms sweaty?
Huge chip-in eagle for Straka
Sepp Straka v Justin Thomas 1UP (16)
A moment of brilliance out of nowhere for Straka at the short par-four. Straka from the rough gets his ball running towards the hole and it’s only going one place.
In for the eagle and the Austrian cuts his match back to just one. Two holes remaining in that one - can he be the one to get Europe over the line?
Could Lowry be the hero?
Shane Lowry v Jordan Spieth A/S (14)
How Lowry would love to have the opportunity to hit the winning putt. He’s now back to all square in his match with Spieth and perhaps the person best placed to get the final half point for Europe.
Schauffele goes two up
Nicolai Hojgaard v Xander Schauffele 2UP (15)
Schauffele doffs his imaginary cap to the crowd as he pours in another putt on the 15th to re-establish his two-shot lead over Hojgaard. Just three holes remaining in that one.
MacIntyre misses golden opportunity
2UP Robert MacIntyre v Wyndham Clark (12)
A big miss from MacIntyre who had the chance to go three up and put that final match in a commanding position for Europe.
Koepka wraps up victory against Aberg
Brooks Koepka beats Ludvig Aberg 3&2
This match has been decided for quite some time as the five-time Major champion gets his point for the US against Aberg.
The rookie started well this week but has perhaps run out of steam, understandably, after what must have been a whirlwind few weeks for the 23-year-old
Homa keeps US alive
Max Homa beats Matt Fitzpatrick 1UP
Fitzpatrick then, from around 15 feet to win the Ryder Cup but he pushes it wide! The chance goes begging but the US aren’t out of it yet.
Homa needs to hole this to keep the Ryder Cup alive for the US.
Up he steps, putter behind the ball...and in it goes. What a massive putt from the American’s star man this week!
Fitzpatrick had his moment but the wait for Europe goes on...
Pivotal moments on 18
Matt Fitzpatrick v Max Homa 1UP (17)
What a pivotal moment that could be. Homa now with his fourth from the greenside and he has to get it up and down to secure the half.
It’s a lovely touch and he will have around 8 feet for the par. Fitzpatrick will have a putt to secure the half and win the Ryder Cup, though.
Matt Fitzpatrick v Max Homa 1UP (17)
Jack Rathborn reporting from Marco Simone:
“Drama on 18 as Homa is forced to take a drop after some horrid luck with the lie. Fitzpatrick is already within range to make a four. The American is poised to take his fourth near the bunker.”
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