FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Europe has retained the Ryder Cup, fending off a furious rally from the United States in singles play Sunday at Bethpage Black.
The Americans’ hopes of a historic comeback ended when the eighth singles match between Shane Lowry and Russell Henley was halved, with the Irishman sinking a 6-foot birdie putt on No. 18 after Henley missed short from a similar line a few feet farther out.
That half-point gave Europe the coveted 14 it needed to retain golf’s ultimate team prize.
“I mean, I’ve been so lucky to experience amazing things in this game,” Lowry, in tears, said. “That was the hardest couple hours of my life. Honestly.
“I just can’t believe it. I can’t believe that putt went in. … The Ryder Cup means everything to me.”
Europe started play Sunday needing just 2 points to beat the host Americans. It led 11.5-4.5 when play concluded Saturday, and the score moved to 12-5 when Norway’s Viktor Hovland was forced to withdraw from singles due to a neck injury, which turned his scheduled match against Harris English into a draw.
The U.S. got two points early, with Cameron Young and Justin Thomas both converting birdie putts on No. 18 to win their respective matches over Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood.
Bryson DeChambeau halved his match with Matt Fitzpatrick despite being 5 down through 7 holes, and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, winless through the first four sessions, beat Rory McIlroy, 1-up.
But Ludvig Åberg‘s 2-and-1 win over Patrick Cantlay moved Europe within a half-point of victory, allowing Lowry to win with a half.
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