Team Europe fended off a fierce final-day surge from the United States to claim a dramatic 15-13 Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black, securing their first away win in the event since the 2012 ‘Miracle at Medinah.’
Luke Donald’s men had built a record 11.5-4.5 lead after the opening four sessions, needing just three more points on Sunday to seal outright victory.
Even with Viktor Hovland’s withdrawal handing the Americans a tied match, Europe’s advantage looked unassailable.
The hosts roared back by winning five of the first seven singles, piling pressure on Donald’s team.
But Ludvig Åberg delivered a crucial point over Patrick Cantlay, while Shane Lowry holed a nerveless birdie putt at the last to guarantee the trophy.
Tyrrell Hatton then secured the decisive half against Collin Morikawa, before Bob MacIntyre added another share to complete the 15-13 win.
“This is the best day ever,” said an emotional Lowry, following in the footsteps of Irish Ryder Cup heroes with his match-saving putt.
Rory McIlroy, jeered throughout the contest, added: “We shut them up by our performance.”
