Sunday drama at Bethpage Black seals Europe’s Ryder Cup retention
Europe staged a tense, late-sunday defense to hold off a persistent United States rally and retain golf’s most celebrated team trophy. The decisive moment arrived on the 18th green when an otherwise exacting duel between Shane Lowry and Russell Henley reached its crescendo with a halved score that tipped the scales for good. Lowry drilled a 6-foot birdie putt at No. 18 after Henley missed from a similar distance a few feet shorter, leaving Europe just enough cushion to reach the coveted 14 points needed to keep the cup from crossing the Atlantic.
“I mean, I’ve been so lucky to experience amazing things in this game,” Lowry said, tears welling in his eyes. “That was the hardest couple hours of my life. Honestly. I just can’t believe it. I can’t believe that putt went in. … The Ryder Cup means everything to me.”
How the day unfolded
Entering Sunday, Europe carried a two-point cushion and needed only 2 points to clinch the trophy. The European advantage grew in the early going with two U.S. defeats on the final afternoon, as Cameron Young and Justin Thomas both birdied No. 18 to win their respective matches over Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood. The mood shifted when Bryson DeChambeau managed to halve his match with Matt Fitzpatrick after swinging from five down through seven holes, offering a glimmer of hope to a rallying American crew.
Meanwhile, the showdown between the top two players taking the course, and the top two in the world rankings, provided a dramatic highlight: world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler defeated Rory McIlroy by a single hole, snapping a winless spell through the opening four sessions and renewing belief that the U.S. could still spark a comeback. Yet the decisive matches, including Lowry’s closing heroics, never wavered Europe’s confidence. With Viktor Hovland withdrawing from his singles match due to a neck injury, the schedule turned into a draw for his pairing, subtly reshaping the day’s momentum and reminding spectators of the fragile nature of golf’s team competition.
The turning points and emotional finish
Europe’s edge was never a panic-filled sprint; it was a steady, patient march that capitalized on late opportunities. The half-point from the Lowry–Henley duel effectively put Europe on 14, ensuring that no U.S. late heroics could eclipse the required total. For Lowry, the moment was anything but ordinary. The Irish star’s win-and-a-half performance became a symbol of resolve, a narrative you expect in Ryder Cup lore when a team clings to history-defining moments under pressure.
What this means for the Ryder Cup and future matchups
Europe’s victory preserves the trophy on foreign soil, reinforcing the strength of European depth and the capacity of its younger and seasoned players to deliver in high-stakes singles. For fans and organizers, it reinforces the Ryder Cup’s status as a dramatic crucible where the best golfers connect as teammates and foes alike. The U.S., despite the setbacks, demonstrated resilience with multiple late finishes and a handful of clutch moments—especially the strong finishes on the final front nine from several players—which bodes well for future renewals as teams recalibrate their rosters and strategies.
Conclusion: Europe’s triumph, a moment to savor
As the final tally settled on 14 points in Europe’s favor, the continent celebrated a victory earned through depth, grit and timely finishing bursts. The 2024 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black delivered a reminder that golf, at its best, merges individual brilliance with collective effort. For Europe, the trophy’s return is a validation of the approach that has carried it to success in recent years; for the United States, a renewed sense of purpose and a fresh set of matchups await the next rendezvous on the calendar.
