Europe defeats USA in 40th Ryder Cup
Europe retained the Ryder Cup with a 16.5 – 11.5 victory over United States at Gleneagles today.
The European team contained four Orlando natives in Justin Rose, Ian Poulter, Henrik Stenson and Graeme McDowell. Europe continued its dominance in recent years of the competition making it three on the trot and eight victories out of the last ten tournaments.
The day started well for Europe as world number one Rory McIlroy went 6-under par on his first six holes and trounced Rickie Fowler to set the tone. The Americans were intent on not making it easy though and started to put plenty of red on the scoreboard in the early stages. The Europeans came back with vengeance as McDowell who was 3-down after five holes beat Jordan Spieth and Rose earned a half after being four behind after six holes.
The USA managed to gain points as Patrick Reed, Phil Mickelson, Matt Kuchar and Jimmy Walker defeated Henrik Stenson, Stephen Gallacher, Thomas Bjorn and Lee Westwood respectively. Europe, in addition to McIlroy and McDowell’s victories, saw wins for Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer and Jamie Donaldson and the other matches between Webb Simpson and Ian Poulter and Zach Johnson and Victor Dubuisson were halved.
In the end it fell to Jamie Donaldson to sink the putt that won the cup for Europe as he hit a superb 9-iron to within two feet from the hole on the 15th hole. It was a fitting end to another great Ryder Cup and congratulations go to Team Europe.
