Europe keeps Ryder Cup

Lowry delivers clincher in emotional win

FARMINGDALE  – Europe fought off a thrilling United States rally to win an emotional Ryder Cup on Sunday with Irishman Shane Lowry securing the trophy on a dramatic six-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole.

Lowry’s tension-packed putt lifted him into a tie with American Russell Henley for the half-point that clinched Europe keeping the trophy and two late ties gave the visitors a 15-13 victory.

“That was the hardest couple of hours of my whole life,” a tearful Lowry said. “I just can’t believe that putt went in. I stood over it going ‘This is it.’

“I said walking down 18, ‘I have a chance to do the coolest thing in my life.’ The Ryder Cup means everything to me... To do it out there today in front of everyone – it was so hard out there.”

Europe’s triumph was their 11th in the past 15 Cup showdowns and their fourth on the road in that span, the first away victory since Europe’s 2012 “Miracle at Medinah.”

“It was probably the most stressful 12 hours of my life,” Europe captain Luke Donald said. “I didn’t think they’d be this tough on Sunday. They fought so hard. But we got it done.”

Americans lead the all-time rivalry 27-16-2 but Europe lead 13-9-1 since the roster was expanded beyond Britain and Ireland in 1979.

“I’m extremely proud to be a part of this team,” said second-ranked McIlroy, who went 3-1-1. “This was an unbelievable collective effort. It has been an amazing week.”

Europe seized a record 11.5-4.5 lead after the conclusion of the pairs sessions, which became 12-5 after Norway’s Viktor Hovland withdrew from singles due to a neck injury and his match with Harris English was declared a draw.

Early losses by McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose had Europe reeling.

But Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg beat Patrick Cantlay 2&1 for the only Europe singles win of the day and Matt Fitzpatrick, despite squandering a 5-up lead after seven holes, tied Bryson DeChambeau to put Europe on the brink.