In one of the most exciting final days in 2025 Ryder Cup history, Europe had defeated the United States. They secured the stunningly hard-fought win by a score of 13½ to 8½ on that famed Marco Simone Golf Club course in Italy. As always, the event was marked by lively competition and passionate advocacy. With the dramatic putts and nail biting moments all the way through, fans were left hanging on every stroke.
As the sun crested over the hills of Princeton, so did the excitement for the final day of play. Collin Morikawa perfectly positioned to drain his putt, literally one joule of energy away from inking his legacy. Tyrrell Hatton couldn’t buy a tickle, burying all his putts high. In the other semifinal, Scottie Scheffler nearly holed one from nine feet that would’ve won him the match.
No one had a more impressive performance for Europe than Bob MacIntyre. On his second shot, he fired right over the flag and straight into the middle of the green. And perhaps most notably, his performance on the 13th hole, the iconic Amen Corner hole. He made the putt for birdie, tying his match with Sam Burns. This back and forth exchange of leads only added to the atmosphere of animosity surrounding both teams.
Russell Henley too created quite a buzz when he holed out for a birdie on 13, going up on one of his main challengers Shane Lowry. In a second round-robin match, JJ Spaun doubled his way to a two-hole lead on Sepp Straka on the 14th hole. The pressure mounted as Rasmus Højgaard rattled in a 12-footer for a half-point, showcasing the high stakes players faced.
Across the course though, Shane Lowry was in a phenomenal position to win a potentially pivotal half-point for Europe. All the while, Tommy Fleetwood was concentrating on the birdie putt he thought he could make up on 17. Ben Griffin’s long birdie try rolled to kick-in distance but then zipped back, backspinning past the hole and the sad-sack Griffin after it. In the meantime, Justin Rose took a step at the dangerous par-three 17th, sticking his approach shot 13 feet from the pin.
The matches played out in matinee idol-level drama. Sam Burns and Bob Mac shared the spoils on the par-3 17th, creating a tense finish for both teams. Russell Henley, who would eventually tie with Shane Lowry, ratcheted up the drama as the day progressed.
On the last few holes, Europe was just brimming with relief. It was apparent they were going to make history by successfully holding on to the Ryder Cup title. Luke Donald thanked his team with deep emotion and described the trials they overcame over the course of the competition.
“It’s got to be the most stressful 12 hours of my life … shout out to the Americans … Keegan and his captaincy … we knew they would be tough but I didn’t think this tough! … on Sunday they fought so hard and all the respect to them … but this means a lot to me and the team … I couldn’t be more proud of the guys and what they have gone through … I was fortunate to have a team that knew me and trusted me … I just tried to be the best prepared I could be … I am so, so happy for them.” – Luke Donald
Tyrrell Hatton had similar feelings as to how difficult today was, that pressure was palpable in his solo match.
“To be honest it’s been one of the hardest days I’ve ever experienced on a golf course … going out number 10 of 11 matches, you are obviously hoping that everything’s wrapped up … but you still want to take pride in your individual record … the US lads put up an incredible fight … it was to be expected, they’re amazing players … selfishly I was really hoping that it wouldn’t have to come down to me … the last five, six, seven holes were just horrible to be honest … I’m just so happy we’ve managed to win … it’s a special team … I’m very fortunate to be a very small part of it … the greatest golf weeks of your life!” – Tyrrell Hatton
Taste this Shane Lowry couldn’t hide his tears after winning a crucial half point for Europe.
“I’ve been so lucky to experience amazing things … aw! … that was the hardest couple of hours of my life … I can’t believe that ball went in … I stood over it going, this is it … I said to [my caddie] walking down 18 I have the chance to do the coolest thing in my life here … the Ryder Cup means everything to me … I won the Open in Ireland and it was a dream come true … but the Ryder Cup for me is everything … so to do that today … fair play to the US lads … I just hope one of the boys can get the half point for the win!” – Shane Lowry
As Europe rejoiced in their win, Luke Donald’s final act was a graceless bow to the victors.
“I think I wanna enjoy tonight first, thank you!” – Luke Donald