Ryder Cup 2023 LIVE: Day 3 scores and updates as McIlroy helps Europe hold off USA comeback to secure victory
Europe saw off a late thrilling late fightback from the USA to get over the line
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Europe have won the Ryder Cup after holding off a late fightback to defeat USA 16.5-11.5 on a dramatic final day of singles at Marco Simone.
The Europeans were led from the front by an inspired Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy, who put captain Luke Donald’s side on the verge of victory.
But the Americans showed fight and character with the middle of the leaderboard turning into a sea of red, forcing Europe to hold their nerve and close it out.
After Max Homa denied Matt Fitzpatrick, who missed a putt to clinch the cup, the winning half-point was secured by Tommy Fleetwood down the stretch, getting Europe past the magic 14.5 mark with his victory over Rickie Fowler. And the final match was left to Shane Lowry and Jordan Spieth, with the American snatching a half surrounded by chaos on the 18th as joyous European fans started the party in Rome.
Follow all the reaction and latest updates from Rome as Europe win the Ryder Cup.
Rory McIlroy reveals ‘disgraceful’ US antics inspired Europe’s Ryder Cup victory
An emotional Rory McIlroy said a heated argument with an American caddie in the car park of Marco Simeone inspired his career-best display to help Europe regain the Ryder Cup in Rome.
McIlroy revealed the furious scenes at the end of the second day’s play left him “the angriest I’ve ever been” in his career after the Northern Irishman had to be held back by teammate Shane Lowry amid an exchange with US caddie Jim “Bones” Mackay.
But McIlroy said the argument lit a fire in his belly as he came out to beat Sam Burns in the singles and claim his fourth victory of the week, helping set the platform for Europe to claim a victory over the USA.
Ready McIlroy’s thoughts below:
Rory McIlroy reveals ‘disgraceful’ US antics inspired Europe’s Ryder Cup victory
McIlroy said an argument that spilled over from the 18th green left him ‘the angriest I’ve ever been’ in his career
Captain Donald on their fast starts
Plenty was made of Europe’s fast starts in their matches this week and there are plenty of jokes about it in the press conference.
"It's called playing for 100 bucks in practice. Rory still hasn't paid me,” Rose quips.
"Rory never pays,” Hatton adds.
"I didn't win the FedEx Cup this year, that's why,” McIlroy replies.
A slightly more serious response from Luke Donald: "We knew getting off to a fast start was important. The guys were ready. They had a clear plan of what to do on the first. It wasn't really a strategy thing, it was similar to the last three Italian Opens where the fairways pinched in a bit from the left. We, as a team, we talked about it. Mentally they were ready for it."
Straka on the moment he found out Europe won the Ryder Cup
“The feeling was pure joy [when he found out about Fleetwood’s winning putt]. It did rob me of my moment, a chance of my moment but I was ecstatic. It was pure joy.”
Jon Rahm on the secrets to Europe’s success
“I don’t have as much experience in Ryder Cups, but the others nailed it - the ability to walk through those doors, forget about who you are, outside this week, before and afterwards doesn’t matter.
“The Spanish legacy to live up to, the three figures - Seve, Ole and Sergio - inspires me. When Jose [Maria Olazabal] is around, he tells me little things to inspire me. Following in their footsteps, to make the team better.
“In the team room. Rory said it best - we can go in there and make fun of each other, we laugh. It’s a humbling experience to be part of this team.
Rory on what’s next for this team
"I said this for six or seven years, one of the biggest accomplishments in golf is winning an away Ryder Cup and that's what we'll do at Bethpage in 2025."
More from McIlroy on the team’s redemption after 2021
"The scoreline, 19-9, that hurt, it really did. I didn't give my best performance for the team. There were a few of us on that team that wanted to come back. Revenge? This wasn't about revenge, this was about redemption.
“This has been a process, a plan in place, we have known months in advance the gameplan and how to execute. Then it comes down to getting on the course and being themselves. This is the result. It's amazing.
“Luckily I've been part of a few and being part of a losing Ryder Cup team sucks. I'm happier being part of this one than two years ago."
Justin Rose on the key to winning
“When you give people clarity you can sink your teeth into it. But being reactive, you're hoping for things to change. When there's a plan, it's just about execution. Something I say to my caddie is if there is good information, there's a good chance I'll hit a good shot. It kept us calm. It came down to execution.
“These lads are pretty good golfers. The statistics only mean something if players keep to their level. Then planning can mean something."
Shane Lowry on the final hours of Sunday’s play
"I couldn't believe what was on the board. The last two hours were two of the most stressful hours of golf I've ever had. I was playing good golf, Jordan [Spieth] played pretty good. I fought hard, once I did that, I knew I'd be OK.
“The scenes on 18. I knew Tommy was one up playing 16, I saw Rickie hit it in the water, I thought if I could birdie 17 I'd have a putt to win the Ryder Cup. Selfishly I thought, I'd have a putt to win the Ryder Cup, this will be amazing. Thankfully Tommy did it before me.
“On 18, I hit my drive but I didn't care where it went. I tried to win my point, but whatever, I didn't really care, as long as we win."
Rory on why the Ryder Cup gets more emotional the more you play in it
“Because you realise how bad it feels when you lose them as time goes by. This is my seventh Ryder Cup, will I play in another seven, I don’t know. I’m on the back nine of my Ryder Cup career and every one is really meaningful.
“Sharing the week, the course, with these guys - Fitzpatrick and Tommy [Fleetwood] as my partners this week and everything we do as a team. It all started a year ago when Luke did that practice trip - everybody agreed; we sat around the fire pit and got to know each other really well.
“I got to know something different to them. It galvanised us as a team. It’s becoming so meaningful, I don’t have so many left. To see Ludvig [Aberg] - a stud - and I wish I was in his position again, looking forward to playing in 20 Ryder Cups. The rookies, they’ve been amazing.”
Rory McIlroy on the incident outside the clubhouse
“I texted Bones this morning, he was the first American I saw outside the locker room, I texted and apologised. I was angry. I didn’t agree with what happened on 18. I let it fuel the fire today. It focused me and I went out and got the point. Joe wasn’t there.
“Relieved [Shane Lowry bundled me into the car], then he took me down to the cold plunge at the hotel to cool down too. I’m very relieved. We talked about it as a team, we felt it was disrespectful, to the whole team, we get the banter when we go to the States and play. It’s the way the Ryder Cup goes, you have to have thick skin.
“We’ve texted. Everything will be fine. It’s a point of contention, it still hurts. But time’s a healer.”
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