Ryder Cup: Europe defends the title – and makes it exciting again

Europe’s golfers briefly defended the title in the Ryder Cup and won again for the first time since 2012. Despite a seven-point advantage before the first discount, the decision was made when the Irishman Shane Lowry sank his putt. “I can’t believe that the putt is in. The Ryder Cup means everything to me,” he said. Europe won the prestigious title at the end of 15:13. The United States narrowly missed the biggest comeback in the history of the competition.

In the Bethpage State Park on Long Island, Lowry brought the necessary 14 points to defend the title with a draw against Russell Henley Europe. Europe’s comfortable lead over the first discount had been stolen until then, contrary to the expectations, there was great excitement and hope at the many home fans at the gates of New York.

The Swede Ludvig Aberg was the only European to win his single on the end, and Patrick Cantlay defeated him after 17 lanes. “It was hard,” said Aberg. “It got louder and you could feel the surroundings.” Lowry as well as Matt Fitzpatrick, Robert Macintyre and Tyrelll Hatton (all England) each got half a point through a draw, the other Europeans lost their duels.

“The first few days did not go as we imagined. I am really tired, but proud of the fight we delivered today,” said the world ranking of Scottie Scheffler. The American won his single against number two in the world, Rory Mcilroy from Northern Ireland, with a train lead.

In theory, Europe had hardly been victory before the first discount. The professionals played too strongly against their colleagues from the USA on the first two days. When the players went to bed on Saturday evening, Europe already led 11.5: 4: 5 and had the biggest lead over the singles since the introduction of the current format in 1979.

Because the Norwegian Viktor Hovland could not compete due to neck problems and that the duel with Harris English had to be canceled, both teams received 0.5 points. So on Sunday morning it was 12: 5 for Europe.

Two more points were enough for the title defense. What initially looked like an attempt to prevent the highest defeat in Ryder Cup history for the Americans – the 19: 9 for the USA four years ago – the brand was increasingly developed into a catch -up that was hardly possible.

Two years ago, the Europeans in Rome clearly defeated the Americans with 16.5: 11.5 points. There was a victory in the USA for McIlroy and Co. last in 2012 – it was the “Miracle of Medinah”. In Long Island, on the other hand, Europe had checked from day one and made the announcement of Mcilroy, who had already predicted success at the winning press conference in Italy.