Ryder Cup 2018: Europe storm to victory in Paris
After coming into the final day 10-6 behind, USA upped the pressure with early points on the board but Europe held their nerve to clinch a famous and unexpectedly comprehensive victory
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Europe clinched a comprehensive Ryder Cup victory in Paris after riding out USA’s rally in the Sunday singles at Le Golf National.
After coming into the final day 10-6 behind, USA upped the pressure with early points on the board for Justin Thomas, Webb Simpson and Tony Finau. But the Europeans held their nerve as Jon Rahm, Ian Poulter and Thorbjorn Olesen all won their matches, and sealed the trophy when Phil Mickelson conceded to Francesco Molinari on the 16th tee, having found the water with his tee shot.
The 17½-10½ victory was Europe’s sixth in a row at home and extended their unbeaten record on European soil to more than a quarter of a century.
Molinari is the first European ever to register a perfect 5-0 record in the contest, with American Larry Nelson the only other to do so in 1979. “It means so much, more than majors, more than anything. It’s hard not to get emotional,” he said.
“They had probably the strongest team ever and we were just so good, it is unreal. I just tried to do things well and be professional. Today it was hard to get the energy but I stepped it up when I had to.”
Europe’s triumphant captain Thomas Bjorn said: “They have been amazing, the 12 of them, unbelievable. They were determined to set out and do the job themselves and for me it was an easy job to guide them in that direction. Experience when you come in with the right attitude produces special things.
“It was getting tight a little bit but I had belief and faith in this team that they were going to deliver and they delivered more than they should have.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments