The Ryder Cup remains in European hands. Despite a fierce comeback attempt by the United States during the Sunday singles at Bethpage State Park (Long Island, New York), Team Europe secured a hard-fought 15–13 victory, sealed with a crucial putt by Shane Lowry to tie his match against Russell Henley. Jon Rahm, who started strong early in the week, was unable to contribute in his singles match.
Europe began the day with a commanding 11.5–4.5 lead, although it came with a setback: Viktor Hovland’s injury led to the cancellation of his match against Harris English. With no choice but to go all-in, the American team came out aggressively, and their strategy initially paid off.
Cameron Young, Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler—in a high-level battle against Rory McIlroy—J.J. Spaun, and others began picking up points for the home side. Xander Schauffele also delivered a convincing win over Jon Rahm (4&3). However, a key point from Ludvig Åberg brought Europe within reach of victory. Matt Fitzpatrick added a vital half point, and finally Shane Lowry, with a clutch tie on the 18th hole, took Team Europe to the magic number of 14 points, officially retaining the trophy. From that point on, the remaining matches were inconsequential.
This marks Europe’s 16th Ryder Cup victory, compared to 27 wins by the United States. Notably, three of the last four editions have gone to the European side.
Europe in Control from the Very First Match
Team Europe dominated from the outset, winning all four sessions of the first two days. On Friday, the first day of competition, the Europeans established a clear lead of 5.5–2.5, overcoming the intense atmosphere at Bethpage with a brilliant performance from Jon Rahm. The Spaniard won both of his matches—first alongside Tyrrell Hatton and then with Sepp Straka.
With Hatton, Rahm took the opening foursome (4&3) against the formidable American duo of Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas, only trailing after the first hole. With Straka, he defeated Scottie Scheffler and J.J. Spaun (3&2) in a superb display of golf.
Rahm’s pivotal contributions were quickly joined by those of his teammates, extending the European lead to 5.5–2.5, putting early pressure on the U.S. squad, which even had the in-person support of former President Donald Trump.
On Saturday, the European dominance grew stronger, stretching the lead to 11.5–4.5, a margin few could have predicted—even the most optimistic fans.
From a Spanish perspective, Jon Rahm started the day with another win, again with his trusted partner Hatton, defeating Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay (3&2) in a foursome where Europe stayed in control throughout. That morning session ended with a 3–1 score in Europe’s favor.
In the afternoon, Rahm experienced his first setback of the week: partnered again with Straka, they lost on the 18th hole to J.J. Spaun and Xander Schauffele, a match that slipped away after the Americans took the final two holes. That result gave the home crowd a glimmer of hope—a miracle that ultimately never came.
Source: Real Federación Española de Golf