Europe retain Ryder Cup as Shane Lowry sinks deciding putt to hold off dramatic Team USA fightback
Irishman Shane Lowry delivers success for Europe after a nerve-racking Sunday
Europe survived a Sunday scare to retain the Ryder Cup - but only just after a stunning US fightback at Bethpage Black.
The holders looked home and hosed after storming into an 11.5–4.5 lead heading into the singles.
But what should have been a procession turned into a nerve-shredding slog as the Americans finally showed some bite on home soil.
In the end it was Shane Lowry who delivered the moment that mattered most.
One down playing the last against Russell Henley, the Irishman lasered in a superb approach and rolled home a birdie to snatch a half-point.
That took Europe to the magic number of 14 with three matches still out on the course - ensuring they couldn’t be beaten.
It was a wild turnaround given how flat the US looked on Saturday night.
Cameron Young edged out Justin Rose on the final green, Justin Thomas nicked another against Tommy Fleetwood, while Xander Schauffele flattened Jon Rahm 4&3.
Even Scottie Scheffler, beaten four times across the first two days, dug deep to topple Rory McIlroy in a titanic clash.
For a spell, the fightback looked on. But rookie sensation Ludvig Aberg steadied European nerves with a 2&1 win over Patrick Cantlay, and Matt Fitzpatrick scrapped for a half against Bryson DeChambeau despite blowing a five-up lead through eight holes.
When JJ Spaun added another red point against Sepp Straka, the tension ratcheted up again. But Lowry’s birdie on 18 proved the decisive blow, sparking scenes of relief among Luke Donald’s men.
It wasn’t pretty, and it wasn’t the procession it looked like on Saturday night. But when the dust settles, Europe are still the ones with the trophy in their hands.