In Farmingdale, N.Y., the immediate aftermath of Europe`s victory saw Rory McIlroy surprisingly absent from the initial celebrations.
His confident assertion two years prior, predicting a win at Bethpage Black, had been dramatically fulfilled by Shane Lowry`s decisive birdie putt on the 18th green on Sunday, turning McIlroy`s words from mere confidence into prophecy. Yet, the jubilant festivities had already begun without him.
Lowry, beaming with joy, was enveloped by the cheers of a predominantly European crowd. Jon Rahm shared an emotional embrace with Spanish compatriot and vice-captain José María Olazábal, the architect of the last European road victory in 2012, who shed tears of happiness on his shoulder. European captain Luke Donald visibly relaxed, finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.
McIlroy had just narrowly lost his high-stakes singles match to Scottie Scheffler by one hole. For a tense period, it seemed plausible that Europe could be on the verge of the most significant collapse in Ryder Cup history. The United States, trailing 12-5, had staged a remarkable rally, narrowing the gap and making the Ryder Cup contest far more competitive than previously imagined.
The stakes soared, with every single point becoming critical. The American fans, previously subdued, erupted with renewed vigor, passionately chanting for their team and offering enthusiastic support to their golfers, a stark contrast to their earlier jeers directed at the Europeans. In this pivotal moment, McIlroy, who thrives on individual brilliance, found himself needing to depend on his teammates.
“It was incredibly close at the finish,” McIlroy admitted, “and quite stressful.”
Despite his own defeat, McIlroy remained on the course, moving between Tyrrell Hatton`s and Robert MacIntyre`s matches, offering his silent support through his mere presence. Even after Lowry`s crucial putt secured retention of the cup, McIlroy stayed until the very last match concluded, sealing Europe`s narrow 15-13 overall victory.
Reflecting on his fulfilled prediction, McIlroy remarked, “It feels good to be right, though I`m not always.” He added, “I believe our win in Rome initiated a broader strategy to achieve something not accomplished in over ten years. We placed great trust in our team`s consistency and ongoing development.”
Beyond the fact that 11 of the 12 players from the Rome victory returned, this European team exhibits a unique cohesion that is hard to articulate but unmistakably visible. It manifests in their shared celebrations after winning a hole or match, and equally in their supportive reactions to setbacks. This unity is palpable when, after sinking a critical putt, a player`s first instinct is to celebrate with their partner. Their embraces convey a profound closeness, suggesting not just business associates but true brothers in arms.
Professional golf on the PGA Tour, particularly 72-hole stroke play, demands extraordinary concentration and focus, being a solitary pursuit that prioritizes patience and consistent performance over aggressive tactics. While match play and alternate shot formats also require these attributes, the last two Ryder Cups have highlighted a distinct difference: Americans often perceive these formats as challenges to be conquered through individual talent, whereas Europeans embrace them as prime opportunities to display their collective strength and unity (evidenced by their remarkable 14-2 record in foursomes during this period). Team play is undeniably Europe`s defining advantage, enabling them to build an imposing early lead this week and subsequently withstand the formidable US surge, which saw the Americans win or tie 11 of 12 singles matches on Sunday.
For nearly a decade, the United States has consistently boasted a superior talent pool in most Ryder Cups, leading to their decisive victories at Whistling Straits in 2021 and Hazeltine in 2016. However, even in defeat, the Europeans have managed to find moments of joy, largely attributable to their unique perspective on the event.
Captain Donald stated, “Ryder Cup weeks are truly the best weeks of our lives. The time we share during these events creates our most cherished memories. A significant aspect of my captaincy has been to cultivate an environment where these players genuinely experience the best weeks of their careers.”
It`s tempting to attribute Europe`s exceptional performance during the first two days of this year`s competition to factors beyond American control.
“They simply made more putts,” Keegan Bradley repeatedly emphasized.
Bryson DeChambeau, on Friday, attributed their success to “luck being on their side.”
While such explanations might seem simple, Europe has consistently demonstrated that the reality is more complex. Their success stems from a blend of team chemistry and analytical data, emotional drive and raw talent, and meticulous off-course preparation complementing on-course precision.
Jon Rahm praised Donald`s leadership, highlighting “the immense professionalism he`s demonstrated over the past four years, his incredible attention to detail…”
“…and his exceptional communication skills,” McIlroy interjected.
On Sunday, with the Ryder Cup firmly in his grasp, Donald offered insights into the meticulous preparations. He revealed that the European team uniforms were styled to honor those worn by the last four winning teams on foreign soil, a detail that was just one small part of their extensive planning.
Donald elaborated on the details: the hotel rooms had cracks in the doors that allowed light in, which they promptly sealed. The bedding, initially just sheets, was upgraded for greater player comfort. Even the shampoo in the rooms was replaced with a higher-quality, better-smelling alternative.
“It`s about dedicating time and showing the care necessary to provide these players with every possible advantage,” Donald explained. “The goal is to foster an environment where they are best positioned for success.”
Perhaps the most remarkable accomplishment of this European team under Donald`s leadership is their mastery of balancing tangible preparations – such as precise pairings, comfortable bedding, managing time zone adjustments, and understanding the specific skills required by the venue – with the perfection of intangible elements.
When questioned about being the Ryder Cup`s top putter for the second consecutive time, Justin Rose reflected, “I believe it`s the power of this team, the collective strength of the group – that drive to focus completely, to simply want it a little bit more. Honestly, beyond the European badge and my teammates, I can`t pinpoint an exact reason. That`s all that truly matters: the badge and the boys.”
Late Sunday afternoon, having secured both the retention and outright victory of the Ryder Cup, a visibly exhausted and red-faced McIlroy finally ascended the 18th. For three grueling days, he had faced the intense atmosphere of Long Island with determination, withstood barrages of heckling and insults from American fans, and now emerged vindicated and triumphant, ready to be engulfed by the ecstatic cheers of European supporters who had eagerly awaited to chant his name.
“Rory! Rory!”
In 2012, when Europe claimed victory at Medinah, McIlroy was a mere 21-year-old playing in only his second Ryder Cup. Now, at 36, a Grand Slam champion, he stood at the heart of another away triumph, providing a fitting bookend to his Ryder Cup journey.
“This will be an unforgettable moment, etched forever in history,” Donald declared. “Future generations will speak of this team and their achievements tonight, of how they conquered one of the most challenging environments in all of sports. That is what truly inspires me, and it`s something Rory and all eleven other players understand deeply.”
As Donald concluded his statement, McIlroy, seated beside him, was visibly moved, wiping tears from his eyes.
