Europe has claimed its second consecutive Ryder Cup victory, defeating the United States at Bethpage Black. The final score of the event, held over the weekend, saw Europe finish with a commanding lead of 14 to 14.5 points, marking a historic achievement as they became the first team to win back-to-back titles since 2014.
After a strong start, Europe maintained a significant edge, leading 11.5 to 4.5 after the second day. This marked the largest deficit the American team has faced in the current 28-point format of the Ryder Cup. Despite the setback, the USA managed to mount a late challenge, winning three consecutive matches to narrow the gap.
Viktor Hovland‘s withdrawal due to a neck injury became a pivotal moment, resulting in a tie for his match against Harris English under event rules. This meant that Europe required just two points from the remaining matches to secure the cup.
As the competition progressed, it became clear that achieving those points would not be straightforward. The United States gained momentum with victories from Cam Young and Justin Thomas, both winning their matches on the 18th hole. Bryson DeChambeau, who had been down five holes through seven, managed to tie his match with Matt Fitzpatrick, despite a missed three-foot putt by Fitzpatrick on the 17th that could have clinched the win.
Despite the pressure, Ludvig Aberg secured a crucial victory against Patrick Cantlay, giving Europe 13.5 points. However, the remaining matches saw the USA claw back, reducing the deficit to just three points.
The climax came when Shane Lowry secured a tie against Russell Henley on the 18th hole, earning the half-point that Europe needed to retain the Ryder Cup. This win also marks the first time an away team has triumphed in the Ryder Cup since Europe’s remarkable comeback in 2012 at Medinah.
Throughout the tournament, Europe demonstrated dominance, winning all four of the first sessions—a first in Ryder Cup history. Three of those sessions ended with a score of 3-1, showcasing the strength of the European team with standout performances from players like Tommy Fleetwood, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm, who remained unbeaten in the first two sessions.
As the dust settles from this year’s Ryder Cup, Europe has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the sport, while the United States will be looking to regroup and strategize for future competitions.
