Ryder Cup 2025: Europe wins thrilling victory against fierce resistance from the US

It looked like an easy win was in hand, as the European team entered the final day with a 7-point lead (11.5 - 4.5) over the US. But Bethpage Black nearly witnessed one of the most dramatic comebacks in Ryder Cup history.

After 12 hours of breathtaking tension, Europe was able to successfully defend the cup with a narrow score of 15-13. Captain Luke Donald admitted: "It was definitely the most tense 12 hours of my life. We knew the US would come back, but we didn't expect it to be this difficult."

With this victory, Donald became the first European captain since Tony Jacklin in 1980 to win two consecutive Ryder Cups.

The deciding point came in the eighth match of the day, when Shane Lowry birdied the 18th hole to share points with Russell Henley, giving Europe a 14-point lead, just enough to retain the trophy. “I told my caddie: today is the biggest chance of my life, and I did it,” Lowry choked.

Tyrrell Hatton then finished off a tense tie with Collin Morikawa, bringing the total score to 14.5 and officially bringing the victory to Europe. “It was one of the toughest days of my career. They are good golfers and I just hope it's not my turn to decide,” Hatton humorously shared.

America rises up, but too late

Captain Keegan Bradley started the decisive day with two key players: Cameron Young and Justin Thomas. Both made birdies on the final hole, narrowly winning 1UP over Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood, rekindling the hope of the US team. "This is the spirit we've been waiting for all week, it's just too late," Thomas regretted.

Xander Schauffele followed with a 4&3 win over Jon Rahm, before Ludvig Aberg secured Europe's only win of the day by beating Patrick Cantlay 2&1.

Behind, Matt Fitzpatrick led 5UP after 7 holes but had to settle for a split with Bryson DeChambeau, giving Europe an extra half point. However, Scottie Scheffler and JJ Spaun continued to keep the US's hopes alive by defeating Rory McIlroy and Sepp Straka respectively.

It all ended when Lowry and Hatton made their mark on the final holes to earn two more draws, securing a thrilling victory for the visitors.

With Viktor Hovland injured and unable to play, the match between him and Harris English was automatically declared a draw.

The 2025 Ryder Cup ended with a final score of 15-13, bringing Europe its 13th victory and the 5th time they defeated the US on away soil, after 1987, 1995, 2004, 2012 and now 2025.

Rory McIlroy, the subject of much ridicule this week, smiled after the victory: “It’s nice to be right this time. I always believed in this group. From Rome to Bethpage, we did something that hasn’t been done in over a decade.”