The Americans staged an incredible counter-attack in Sunday’s singles matches, but the Europeans held their nerve to regain control of the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone.
Team Europe reclaimed the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone after Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland repelled a late attack from their American opponents. The home team picked up the four points needed on day three to give Luke Donald and his team a big win.
Donald chose to send in his three big guns, Jon Rahm, Hovland and McIlroy, early and it paid off, as the trio delivered two and a half points out of the four needed to win the Ryder Cup crown. Hovland started things off in style, making Collin Morikawa’s job easier in the second set with a 4&3 win. However, things are a little more complicated for Rahm as he faces world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in a blockbuster opening match. The pair showed exactly why they are two of the best professional golfers, playing all 18 holes before sharing the spoils thanks to Rahm’s better performance in the final round.
With one and a half points, the Europeans single-handedly held the trophy, and with the appearance of star McIlroy, their grip was further strengthened. Two years after his tear at Whistling Straits, the Northern Irishman completed his bid to reclaim the Ryder Cup by beating Sam Burns 2&1 in the fourth match.
Amid an impressive European debut, the Americans scored a point of their own as a resilient Justin Rose was beaten 2&1 by Patrick Cantlay. The home side were quick to respond as Tyrrell Hatton claimed his third full point of the day, defeating Brian Harman 3&2.
Europe finds itself just half a point away from becoming Ryder Cup champions, but with so much red on the scoreboard, tensions around Marco Simone remain high. And for good reason, like Max Homa, Brooks Koepka, who added to the American count.
Those worries were finally eased thanks to Tommy Fleetwood. After Rickie Fowler found the tee on the 16th, Fleetwood took advantage, birdieing the short par 4 to move to two at two and confirm a dramatic Ryder Cup victory for the hosts.