Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland won their singles matches and Jon Rahm tied with Scottie Scheffler to complete unbeaten campaign; Tommy Fleetwood scored winning point to ensure Europe would regain the trophy and extend Team USA’s wait for an away victory
By Ali Stafford in Rome
Last Updated: 01/10/23 4:32pm
Rory McIlroy won four points from his five matches as Europe regained the trophy in Rome
Tommy Fleetwood secured the winning point for Team Europe as they overcame a final-round charge from Team USA to claim a dramatic 16.5-11.5 victory in Rome.
Luke Donald’s side dominated an unbeaten opening day and pulled further ahead during the Saturday foursomes, only for Team USA to edge the fourballs session after a dramatic finish to cut Europe’s advantage to five heading into the Sunday singles at Marco Simone GC.
Europe required four points to regain the trophy and edged closer to that target when Viktor Hovland brushed aside Collin Morikawa, with Jon Rahm producing more final-hole magic to claim a tie against Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy saw off Sam Burns to move to the brink of victory.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Rory McIlroy headed into Sunday Singles fired up and put on a impressive performance, winning 3&1 against Sam Burns.
Patrick Cantlay earned America’s first point of the day after defeating Justin Rose, before Tyrrell Hatton’s victory over Brian Harman took Europe to 14 points and ensured Team USA’s 30-year wait for an away Ryder Cup victory would continue.
Max Homa, Brooks Koepka, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas all won matches to cut the advantage, although Europe secured a seventh consecutive home success when Fleetwood fired a stunning tee shot into the par-three 17th to set up a 3&1 victory over Rickie Fowler.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Luke Donald shows pride in his Team Europe side as he looks at how they secured victory and what this Ryder Cup meant to him.
“I really didn’t want it to come down to one of us at the back,” Fleetwood said. “I can’t wait to see the rest of the guys, I can’t wait to see the captain, our wives and the rest of our families.
“I’m just so happy to play a part in it and so proud to be part of this team. We’ve done what we came here to do. I couldn’t wish for a better bunch of people to do this with. It has been so amazing. It’s the coolest experience.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Shane Lowry was ecstatic after going one up with just one hole to play against Jordan Spieth as Europe regained the Ryder Cup!
Celebrations were already in full flow with two matches left on the course, with Robert MacIntyre beating US Open champion Wyndham Clark and Shane Lowry earning a tie against Jordan Spieth to complete a five-point win.
More to follow..
Stream the Ryder Cup, PGA Tour, DP World Tour and more for £21 a month for six months with NOW.