Sepp Straka in seventh golf heaven: Triumph with Europe in the Ryder Cup

The loud shouts of “Europe, Europe” rang out again and again yesterday across the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club near Rome. Tommy Fleetwood started the big party there. To the deafening cheers of tens of thousands of fans, the Englishman scored the decisive point against Rickie Fowler for the European team’s triumph at the 44th Ryder Cup against the USA. Austria’s Sepp Straka also made his contribution in the select field with a score of 16.5:11.5. Captain Luke Donald’s team managed to take revenge for the 9:19 in Whistling Straits 2021.

At that time, Bernd Wiesberger was the first Austrian to take part in the major event, but was unable to win the match in three opportunities. Straka, who had already predicted Europe’s victory in advance, did his job better. On his debut on the 6,566 meter long par 71 course, Shane Lowry won the foursome against Rickie Fowler/Collin Morikawa on Friday. On Saturday, Lowry suffered another defeat against Max Homa/Brian Harman in the same competition. In the singles against Justin Thomas yesterday he showed a sensational shot with an eagle on 16, but the American prevailed with 2 on.

“I’m very proud,” said Straka after receiving the small golden trophy with his colleagues. “I’ve been really nervous since I woke up,” said the world number 22. then also insight into his mental life. After the round was over, some of the ballast fell off. Straka himself seemed very composed, his pregnant wife Paige had tears in her eyes. Straka’s parents and his brother, who had gone the entire round, were also touched. He would remember the experiences of that week for a long time. “This kind of enthusiasm only occurs every two years at the Ryder Cup, at no other golf tournament and almost at no other sporting event.”

The Europeans went into the final day with a reassuring lead. After the team duels on Friday and Saturday they led 10.5:5.5 and only needed four wins in the final twelve individual matches, but the Americans kept the pressure up.

Strong emotions

Previously, emotions were running high. As the USA fought to keep up on Saturday afternoon, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy lost his temper. The four-time major winner tangled with Patrick Cantlay’s caddy Joe LaCava, who allegedly hindered him before his decisive putt on the 18th green. According to US media reports, LaCava apologized to McIlroy on Sunday morning, but the Northern Irishman denied this.

On the other hand, the fuss about the cap trouble in the US team continued on the final day. In solidarity with Patrick Cantlay, some of the twelve US players also did not wear team caps. A media report claimed that Cantlay was upset that players were not being paid for playing in the Ryder Cup. By Saturday afternoon, European fans had waved their caps in Cantlay’s direction and chanted “Hats off to your bank account.”

“It’s about pride”

Europe’s captain has a clear opinion on whether players should be paid to play in the Ryder Cup: “Absolutely not,” said Luke Donald. “The Ryder Cup represents real sport. It’s about pride.” He himself seems to be a guarantee of success. The 45-year-old had already triumphed as an active player in 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2012 and was now celebrating a successful debut as team captain.