Rickie Fowler’s decision left golf fans confused as the Ryder Cup ended in bizarre fashion

Europe reclaimed the Ryder Cup in a tense atmosphere on Sunday, with Rickie Fowler confusing fans with his decision to concede a putt that guaranteed Tommy Fleetwood at least half a point.

Rickie Fowler of the US team sensibly decided to make a putt in his match against Tommy Fleetwood to help Europe  win the 2023 Ryder Cup.

On Sunday, Europe claimed a 16.5-11.5 victory over the United States to reclaim the Ryder Cup after a humiliating defeat at Whistling Straits two years ago. The  30-year wait for American victory on foreign soil continues after Europe’s epic victory.

Before the loss was confirmed, Fowler’s actions caused confusion among fans and  commentators watching. The American conceded a putt in his singles match against Fleetwood, giving the Briton the half-point needed to win the Ryder Cup for Europe.

Fleetwood made a 3-foot birdie putt  on the 16th green when Fowler still missed par. Although defeat was unlikely, Fowler’s decision to hole out deprived Fleetwood of the chance to make the  putt to win the cup.

An inevitable miss by Fleetwood would have put him back in first place with two holes to play, assuming Fowler had made his par putt. In the end, it didn’t matter – but fans and characters alike were confused by the decision.  On air, Paul Azinger wondered whether the Americans should  let Fleetwood take him back. He considered it “unlikely that the catch would have been conceded” when Fowler conceded.

Fans took to social media to express their surprise at Fowler’s decision. Patrick McDonald (@AmateurStatus) posted:
“Rickie Fowler conceding  to win the Ryder Cup is the most Rickie Fowler thing ever.”

Fowler is considered one of the nicest men in golf, but fans joked that he was preparing a game for the Nicklaus and Jacklin Sportsmanship Award based on the Ryder Cup “Concession ” in 1969. Justin Rose won this award, the Englishman had an outstanding performance at the Ryder Cup. When Fowler conceded, the home fans went crazy as Europe won at home in tense circumstances after only winning by 5 points. Fowler’s surprising move didn’t matter; Shane Lowry also got half a  point and Robert MacIntyre won his match against US Open champion Wyndham Clark.

It was a tough week for Fowler as he lost both  matches. The American – who is said to be ill – lost his first duel alongside Collin Morikawa before being sidelined for the next three sessions by captain Zach Johnson.