Europe Triumphs in a Nail-Biting Ryder Cup Showdown

Tue Oct 14 2025 09:22:07 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a thrilling Ryder Cup finale, Europe held off a fierce challenge from the US to secure victory, led by standout performances from Tyrrell Hatton and Ludvig Åberg. This historic win makes Luke Donald a legendary figure in Ryder Cup history.

Europe clinched a dramatic 15-13 victory over the US in the Ryder Cup, overcoming a strong challenge on the final day. Tyrrell Hatton's decisive putt secured the winning point, while Ludvig Åberg remained undefeated throughout the tournament. The match was marked by intense moments and controversial fan behavior, particularly directed at Rory McIlroy. With this win, captain Luke Donald joins the ranks of Ryder Cup legends.

The 'Battering at Bethpage'. The 'Larruping on Long Island'. The 'Nobbling in New York'.

The headlines were being written long before Sunday's Ryder Cup singles had even teed off such was Europe's domination over the opening two days. A record seven points they led by. 11½-4½. Just three points from 12 matches needed for victory.

No side had ever come from more than four points back to win. A formality for the visitors?

Not so fast. The Americans put up a fight that will be talked about for decades to come, but in the end Europe stumbled to a 15-13 victory, with Ludvig Aberg the only player to win his match, while six home players registered wins.

Tyrrell Hatton, playing in match 10, finally got Europe to the magic 14½ points mark as they became the fifth European side to win an away match - and the first since 2012.

It was fitting that the Englishman should secure the winning point given he was one of two undefeated players this week. The other was Shane Lowry, who holed the putt to take Europe to 14 points and ensure they would at least retain the trophy.

World number two Rory McIlroy, who was the main target of a hostile New York crowd over the three days, said the victory shut up the home crowd after their unacceptable and abusive behaviour. McIlroy's wife, Erica, was hit by a drink thrown by an American fan on Saturday, and both McIlroy and Lowry received cruel barbs during the tournament.

Lowry and McIlroy both praised Erica's response, with McIlroy saying his wife handled everything this week with class and poise and dignity. Golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week, he added.

The triumph cements Luke Donald's status as a bona fide Ryder Cup legend. After masterminding the 'Romp in Rome' in 2023, he has become the second captain, after Tony Jacklin, to lead the side to home and away victories.

The US needed 10 points to regain the trophy. No side had ever won more than 8½ from the 12 singles matches. And their task was made that little bit harder when Europe announced Viktor Hovland would be unable to play because of a neck injury. Ryder Cup rules dictate that one US player also sits out and each team gets a half point.

When Cam Young and Justin Rose emerged on the first tee, nobody could have dreamed of the drama that would follow. New York-born Young, a rookie in the US side, birdied the first to get the earliest of red on the scoreboard. But Rose bounced back to go one ahead after five. Behind him Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Rory McIlroy and Åberg were all leading, with the crowd quickly going quiet.

But then, Young won four of seven holes to go three ahead. Justin Thomas claimed three successive holes to lead Fleetwood. The ebbs and flows of a Ryder Cup Sunday sent American cheers vibrating around the course.

The final moments saw Lowry take the championship home amidst an exhilarating atmosphere. His celebration erupted as he secured the winning point, marking Europe's success in a dramatic fashion that fans will not soon forget.