The Ryder Cup is returning home to Europe after Rory McIlroy and his band of brothers sneaked over the line against Team USA on a dramatically nervy final day to retain the trophy.
In the face of relentless – and at times overly-personal – abuse, the Europeans pressed home their advantage to walk out of the New York bearpit not only intact, but clutching the trophy.
Europe went into Sunday singles needing just two points to see out the victory, but Justin Rose failed to earn the first of them in his matchup with Cameron Young, who snatched a priceless opening victory for USA with a crucial birdie on the 18th.
As a sea of American red flooded the scoreboards, Justin Thomas then prevailed in his clash with Tommy Fleetwood to leave the visitors’ nerves jangling and spark hope of a historic comeback from the hosts out of nowhere.
Ludvig Aberg earned Europe’s first singles win of the day against Patrick Cantlay shortly after, leaving them in need of just half a point to retain the trophy, before Scottie Scheffler edged out Rory McIlroy and JJ Spaun got the better of Sepp Straka to keep the American momentum going.
However, just as a disastrous collapse seemed closer than ever, Shane Lowry secured the pivotal half-point required to ensure Europe will at the very least retain the Ryder Cup.
The Ryder Cup is returning to Europe after Rory McIlroy and Co survived a nervy final day
Shane Lowry showed nerves of steel to get Europe the half point needed to retain the trophy
American captain Keegan Bradley has been left to rue a nightmare first two days in New York
Lowry showed nerves of steel to win the 18th hole of his showdown with Russell Henley, which tied the match and secured the all-important half point.
Europe will now hope to go on and clinch a first away Ryder Cup victory since the Miracle at Medinah back in 2012, which would earn captain Luke Donald a special place in the history books.
For USA counterpart Keegan Bradley, a disastrous opening two days left his team with simply too great of a mountain to climb heading into Sunday’s singles, despite their remarkable efforts in trying to do so against all the odds.
They headed into the final day priced at a staggering +4500 to complete the comeback, yet despite their best attempts the Ryder Cup will not be staying put in America.
This weekend has been one to forget for USA all round after Friday and Saturday’s matches were marred by the vile abuse of European players at Bethpage Black.
McIlroy’s wife Erica was reportedly brought to tears after being hit by a drink from the crowd, before her husband could be seen consoling her.
The Northern Irishman was subjected to relentless verbal abuse on Saturday, including chants of ‘f*** you Rory’ and insults about his love life with Erica.
In a video which circulated on Saturday, he can be seen wiping something from Erica’s hat and asking her if she is okay as they moved away from the stand of rowdy fans, surrounded by security for the European team.
European players were subjected to vile abuse over the weekend, with McIlroy’s wife Erica also left in tears after being hit by a drink thrown from the crowd
But in more recent footage, McIlroy is seen to have an even more impassioned reaction to Stoll being struck.
In a clip shared by Spanish-language outlet Movistar, footage is captured of the drink appearing to hit Stoll’s hat.
In the ensuing melee, Stoll looked around shocked, as if to see where the projectile had come from.
McIlroy’s initial reaction seemed to be to head into the crowd and find the perpetrator, with the player having to be held back by security provided to protect him and his family.
After being dissuaded from doing so, McIlroy went to comfort Stoll, walking away from the fans with his wife.
