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
Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing
Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news
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.
Let the celebrations begin...
Team USA captain Zach Johnson speaking to Sky Sports
“It’s still pretty fresh, pretty raw. If I have any reflection right now it’s that you take your hat off, tip your cap - to Team Europe and Luke [Donald]. They played great and they earned it. Very impressive.
“We got outplayed, but we showed grit, we showed heart and then it got interesting there. We had some momentum coming into the day and even some during the day. I’m proud of my guys - they’ve got so much heart and grit.
“It’s not them. It’s on me. I maybe made some poor decisions and I’ll reflect at some point. But it’s not about those 12 guys. I’m grateful for each and every one of them.
“My competitive juices are flowing too much to function right now. I’ll reflect on it and Team USA will be better off at some point. We will use this as motivation. You put so much time and energy into this and the process and journey is what is special, along with the people around it - my family, the team, the PGA of America and the fans. They’re the fuel for the engine.
“The Ryder Cup is for golfing people. I’m not sure honour is the right word - it’s more than that. We’ll analyse it. I’m not making excuses. Europe outplayed us.”
Shane Lowry speaking to Sky Sports after victory
“I thanked Luke [Donald] on the back of the 18th green before I hit my putt for putting his trust in me. This is a dream come true for me. This is something I’ve always wanted to achieve in this game.
“The last two hours were the most stressful of my life. I could see it wasn’t going well for us. But I’m so proud of my team. There are 12 players but there are also 12 caddies vice-captains and the backroom staff.
“It’s been the greatest week of my life.”
Tommy Fleetwood speaking to Sky Sports
“I didn’t want it to come down to one of us at the end. I can’t wait to see the rest of the guys, the captain, the vice captains, our wives, our families and the staff. I’m so happy to play a part in it. It’s been a bit bigger than I thought it would be when I saw the draw.
“I’m so proud. We have an amazing group of people, we always do. This year has been very different and the landscape has changed for Team Europe but I couldn’t wish for a better bunch of people to do with this.
“We are one gigantic family and the bonds you make last a lifetime. This is just so cool.”
On European captain Luke Donald: “Luke is amazing. We’re all so proud of him. From when the process started he has been so good. We look at Luke on another level. I’m so happy we could get it done for him.”
Lowry and Spieth match tied on the last
Shane Lowry v Jordan Spieth - match tied
Lowry’s putt for birdie just goes by and Spieth wins the final hole to secure a tie between these two. I’m not sure Lowry cared one bit if he won that final hole.
The celebrations can begin properly now - the final score: 16½-11½ to Europe.
MacIntyre gets his win to extend Europe winning margin
Robert MacIntyre beats Wyndham Clark 2&1
MacIntyre wraps it up on the very next hole as Clark is unable to make a birdie on the par-three 16th. What a win for the Scot - who didn’t lose a match all week - and his point against the US Open champion delivers yet another point for Europe.
More points than World No.1 Scottie Scheffler for the rookie Scot. Not bad...
A tearful European captain Luke Donald speaking to Sky Sports
“I am pretty emotional. It’s been a long process, an amazing journey and I have really enjoyed this one. It was stressful as the US put up a fight today so hats off to them. But I am so proud of my 12 guys. We formed a bond from day one and they gave me everything. They trusted me and they delivered.
“We started off great, which was what we needed. Then a few matches changed to red. We kept looking at the board and thinking: ‘Where will we find 14 and a half points?’
“But we always had some guys at the back that looked good so it’s not going to be quite as close as I thought it might be.”
MacIntyre extends lead as Clark finds the water
2UP Robert MacIntyre v Wyndham Clark (16)
In water twice for the US Open champion and MacIntyre ensures he will remain unbeaten in the Ryder Cup this year. At least a half point for the Scot but he’ll want to end with a win.
Jack Rathborn reporting from Marco Simone
Rory McIlroy is full song on the 18th., happy to join in as a run of “Patrick, where’s your hat?” begins.
Hovland then greets McIlroy, lifting the Irishman clean off his heels. Fleetwood then appears on the big screen and McIlroy shouts out: “Go on Tommy lad.”
EUROPE WIN THE RYDER CUP!
Tommy Fleetwood beats Rickie Fowler 3&1
And now it is official. Fowler can’t find a birdie on the par-three 17th and the hole is conceded.
Fleetwood is the man to get Europe over the line and what a moment for the Englishman who had such a crushing few days at the Open a few months ago.
The Ryder Cup is staying in Europe!
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies