Rome doesn’t seem like a bad place to pass into eternity. This was certified by Europe in one of its great capitals, with a triumph as monumental as the city. He recovered the Ryder Cup on the Old Continent with a comfortable victory but also suffered in a last day of those that are not forgotten. With more than 50,000 enthusiastic spectators drawing a hellish atmosphere under scorching heat to do their bit to prevent the American comeback. He half cheated on the score because the local victory was indisputable but he should not hide the suffering experienced during the middle of the battle, the same ones that fueled the euphoria that was unleashed after the victory.
Thus, the European team definitively closes the wound opened two years ago, after the historic beating suffered in Whistiling Straits that caused the tears of Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, the same ones who this Sunday hugged each other in the 18th as if there were no tomorrow. “It wasn’t a question of revenge, it was a question of redemption,” the Northern Irishman pointed out after lifting the trophy.
The United States continues to be denied when it plays away from the protection of its people and its drought of victories in Europe is going to extend for at least 34 years after the defeat in Rome. “We have proven to be a team,” Zach Johnson proudly proclaimed with a broken voice, his emotions running high. And he faced the United States singles match with the obligation to make the greatest comeback in history to win and at times he dreamed of achieving it.
It ended up being Tommy Fleetwood, one of the crowd’s favorites, with his own song included, who sealed the victory by securing half a point on the 16th hole with the best drive of the week and an elegant concession from the always impeccable Rickie Fowler. If to get to that moment Europe had overcome a path of thorns, from then on the euphoria took over Marco Simone and the points began to fall for Luke Donald’s side until the overwhelming final score was drawn. “It is a very powerful force to have 12 players who understand exactly what a Ryder means and I couldn’t be more proud,” boasted the European captain, whose men openly demanded the renewal. “Two more years, two more years!” they sang to him, thinking about the Bethpage Black quote. Donald has emerged as a captain who is difficult to improve thanks to his correct decisions and his way of motivating and preparing down to the last detail.
The day began with the echoes of the altercation between Joe LaCava and Rory McIlroy still reverberating, and with Patrick Cantlay paying the price pointed out by the public. The Californian has been the subject of several hoaxes on social media this week for not wearing a cap and fans have taken it upon him. His response has been powerful on the field, leading the American team alongside Max Homa. Furthermore, this Monday he has a very special date that will make him forget everything that happened. His wedding.
Donald opted to put his heavyweights in the first four games to try to stifle any attempt at a comeback. Rahm started in the first game, supported as he had all week by vice-captain José María Olazábal. “He always gives me little advice to inspire me,” the Basque thanked. Rahm had to face Scottie Schefler again, as in Whistling Straits, and both played a frenetic and exciting match, with only 6 holes tied out of 18. After an erratic start, the number one played his best golf and put against the ropes to the Spanish. The one from Barrika, with a birdie at 18, managed to rescue half a point and add to the scoreboard for the first time. It was a very important effort for Europe, which needed some peace of mind after an encouraging start that was beginning to go wrong.
As the holes progressed, the scoreboard turned dangerously red and everyone’s attention turned to the final matches, where Fleetwood and MacIntyre dominated but not easily. “There was a moment when I looked at the scoreboard and wondered how we were going to reach 14.5 points,” confirmed Luke Donald himself. Europe reached 14 with Hatton’s victory but there it seemed to stop. Fitzpatrick missed a putt on 18 to win the Ryder and nerves seemed to take over the European team against the lurking American red. The last two games were going to be the key. With rookie MacIntyre unpredictable, eyes focused on Fleetwood, who missed a short putt on 15 and gave wings to Zach Johnson’s men. They were cut off quickly because Fowler sent it into the water in the 16th and the Englishman certified the European victory. Marco Simone shouted with euphoria to celebrate a tremendous victory.
