- Europe have won the Ryder Cup 16.5-11.5 after a dramatic final day in Rome
- Captain Luke Donald was visibly emotional as he spoke of their ‘amazing journey’
Luke Donald spoke of the ‘amazing journey’ his Europe team have been on in an emotional interview after their victory at the Ryder Cup in Rome.
Europe won 16-5-11.5 after producing a dominant opening set of singles performances on Sunday, with Rory McIlroy impressing after his feud with Patrick Cantlay’s caddie on Saturday.
Donald’s side enacted revenge on their harrowing Whistling Straits defeat two-years ago to thrash an American team who constantly found themselves trying to regain ground throughout the competition.
Speaking after the win was secured, Donald told Sky Sports: ‘I am pretty emotional. It’s been a long process, an amazing journey and I have really enjoyed this one.’
Europe, who needed just four points in the final session, started well with the likes of Viktor Hovland and John Rahm winning their games.
Luke Donald hailed team Europe’s ‘amazing journey’ after winning the Ryder Cup in Rome
The home side won 16.5-11.5 after a dramatic final day at the Marco Simone Golf Club
Tommy Fleetowood secured the Cup-winning half-point in his singles match against Rickie Fowler
America did threaten to fightback, though, with Cantlay shining in a 2&1 win over Justin Rose as the visitors rose to seven competition points, but they still needed seven more to seal what would have been an astonishing victory.
Just two-and-a-half more points were needed for the hosts and McIlroy ensured he would be there to help Europe snatch victory with a sensational round against Sam Burns.
The visitors again threatened a fightback with late wins for Xander Schauffele and Brooks Koepka, but Shane Lowry and Fleetwood held on to win the Cup-deciding points.
Donald admitted his side were run closer than he would have liked on the final day, as he continued: ‘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 for me.
‘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. I can’t even speak.’
Rory McIlroy was excellent on the final day after his feud with Patrick Cantlay’s caddie on Saturday
Cantlay impressed as he beat Justin Rose, but America’s threatened comeback never materialised