Europe Retains the Ryder Cup after a dramatic singles day
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Europe has retained golf’s ultimate team prize, fending off a furious U.S. rally in Sunday singles at Bethpage Black. The decisive moment came in the eighth and final singles match, when Shane Lowry sunk a 6‑foot birdie at the No. 18 to halve his battle with Russell Henley, a result that clinched the necessary points for Europe to stay on top.
A dramatic finish seals the win
The half-point from Lowry–Henley left Europe with 14 points, the threshold needed to keep the Ryder Cup on European soil. The moment carried a torrent of emotion for Lowry, who, in tears, reflected on how exceptional the week had been. “That was the hardest couple hours of my life. Honestly. I just can’t believe it. I can’t believe that putt went in,” he said, underscoring how much the cup means to him and his teammates.
European lead, U.S. push, and a late twist
Europe entered Sunday with a 11.5–4.5 advantage after Saturday’s play and a withdrawal by Viktor Hovland—who cited a neck issue—meant his scheduled singles match with Harris English became a draw, shifting momentum back toward the Americans. The U.S. did rally, with Cameron Young and Justin Thomas both birdieing on the 18th to win their matches against Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood, respectively, briefly stoking hope of a historic comeback.
Key matches that shaped the outcome
Another notable result came from Bryson DeChambeau, who halved his match with Matt Fitzpatrick after fighting back from five holes down through seven. Notably, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler defeated Rory McIlroy 1 up, snapping a winless stretch in the early sessions and giving the Americans a glimmer of momentum entering the final stretch of singles.
How the day unfolded for both teams
Europe’s consistency over the weekend appeared to carry the day on Sunday, while the U.S. mounted a late charge that offered glimpses of the dramatic comebacks many fans hoped for. Yet the pivotal moment remained on 18, where Lowry’s measured putt decided the fate of the competition and cemented Europe’s grip on the cup as play concluded.
What this means for the Ryder Cup going forward
With Europe reaching the 14-point mark, the defending champions ensured the Ryder Cup would stay within their grasp for another cycle. The mood on the European side was one of relief and pride, acknowledging the intense battle and the way the team stood together under pressure. For the Americans, the day supplied both resilience and frustration, a reminder that every match can hinge on a single, decisive moment on a single hole.
Looking ahead
As the trophies are passed along the green, both teams will analyze what worked and what didn’t, with an eye toward the next Ryder Cup. The Bethpage setting provided a demanding test of nerves, strategy, and chemistry—qualities that define the Ryder Cup as much as raw scoring does. For Europe, the goal is clear: maintain the momentum, defend home soil when possible, and keep the competitive fire burning in future biennials. For the U.S., the task remains to translate boldness into a sustained winning formula across all sessions and formats.
