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.
McIlroy puts Europe on the brink
Rory McIlroy beats Sam Burns 3&1
He’s done it! Burns is out of position off the tee and McIlroy sticks it close in reply. The American can’t chip in from the rough and he’s seen enough. A vital win for Europe with quite a bit of red on the board behind him.
Europe up to 13 points now and just 1.5 points needed now.
Water and more water
Matt Fitzpatrick v Max Homa 1UP (15)
That is not Max Homa’s finest moment of the week. Fitzpatrick goes way right and into the water on 16 but Homa follows him in there and they both head to the drop zone.
Cantlay secures first US win of the day
Patrick Cantlay beats Justin Rose 2&1
It’s a valiant battle from Rose but it comes to an end on the 17th. Rose’s birdie effort just comes up short and Cantlay, in reply, pours in his birdie putt to secure the 2&1 victory.
A great match, a gutsy performance from Rose but it’s the American who prevails.
Burns pulls one back
2UP Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns (16)
McIlroy’s chip out of the left rough doesn’t release quite as much as he would have liked. He still has a putt to wrap up the match but it’s just pushed right off the hole.
This match continues...
Fleetwood doubles lead in penultimate match
2UP Tommy Fleetwood v Rickie Fowler (10)
A gem of an iron into the tenth green leaves Fleetwood with just over 8 feet for his birdie. No mistake from Fleetwood and that’s a healthier-looking lead for Europe in the penultimate match.
3UP Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns (15)
Jack Rathborn reporting from Marco Simone:
“Burns cracks the driver on 16, sweetly struck but then turns to the big screen and slumps after watching his call trickle back down the bank.
“McIlroy only needs three wood and poses elegantly after a superb tee shot. That should be enough to close this one out, save a chip in from Burns.”
Rose halves hole with huge birdie
Justin Rose v Patrick Cantlay 1UP (16)
Rose is right off the tee and in the bunker and is under more pressure as Cantlay finds the driveable par four in one. He nestles his up to the hole and Rose will need a birdie.
From the sand, he leaves himself around 19 feet for the birdie...and he makes it! Remarkable from Rose as the putter runs hot at just the right time.
He’s still in this.
McIlroy birdies to protect lead
3UP Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns (15)
Burns has bounced back from his poor start to this tournament and is making McIlroy see this match out after he makes birdie at the 15th.
Rory is in close and his birdie putt holds on to remain three ahead! The first signs of emotion from Rory as he fists bumps at the crowd. Just one hole from victory now for the World No.2.
Jack Rathborn reporting from Marco Simone:
Huge roar on 15 followed by a a cry of “ole, ole, ole.” Rory delivers another birdie, it’s dormie! Burns did so well to hole his putt, but McIlroy has whipped up the European fans into a hysteria.
Fleetwood holes out
1UP Tommy Fleetwood v Rickie Fowler (9)
What a bunker shot from Fleetwood and what a timely birdie for Europe. Blue on the board in the final two matches as the Englishman takes a lead against Fowler ahead of the back nine.
Hatton further extends lead
3UP Tyrrell Hatton v Brian Harman (13)
A big putt down the slop from Hatton as he moves three clear against Brian Harman after 13 holes. That match is right here Europe wants it.
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