Captain Luke Donald returned the Ryder Cup to the Europeans after a thrilling day at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, as Tommy Fleetwood beat Rickie Fowler to claim a vital winning point.
European Ryder Cup team captain Luke Donald held back tears after winning the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome.
A fierce singles session gave Europe a scare on Sunday as the Americans bravely fought back, but Tommy Fleetwood scored a crucial point in the 11th game to overcome the magic figure of 14.5 points .
The match finished 16.5-11.5, with Viktor Hovland, Rory McIlroy, Tyrell Hatton, Fleetwood and Robert MacIntyre winning the match on Sunday. Shane Lowry and John Rahm had important innings in their match as the Americans came close.
“I’m really emotional,” Donald told Sky Sports, wiping away tears. “It’s been a long process and an incredible journey. I enjoyed the experience, it was intense. Today, the United States fought, they really fought. Hats off, it was worth it.” amazing.
“But I’m very proud of my 12 boys. We formed a relationship from day one and they gave me everything, they trusted me and they did what was right for me.
“It started off well (Sunday). Our first few guys got off to a good start, which is what we needed. We wanted to get green on the board from the start, then some The game goes red and you keep looking at the board. and thinking where are we going to find 14.5 points? We’ve always had guys on defense that look really good. I can’t even speak.”
Donald, the former world number one, said the win was the highlight of his career. He added:
“He’s the best, that’s why the Ryder Cup is so special to me and these guys.
It is because of these moments that we play for each other and share our successes together and we spend this week together and we will share these memories forever.”
Donald has played in four Ryder Cups and has never lost, winning in 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2012. He added to his tally as a winning captain, but he was quick to pay tribute to his team.
“I feel like I gave them a good culture to succeed,” he said. “I hoped I presented a good plan and explained why I thought they would win, but then things really went off the rails. They had to do it, they had to play well and they got the job done. I am myself. just happy that they trusted me.
Leave a Reply