London, UK – September 30, 2025
The elite final action of the Ryder Cup culminated in a breathtaking finish at Bethpage Black, New York, where Europe retained the trophy and secured an outright 15-13 victory over the United States. In a week that saw Europe build a historic lead only to withstand a sensational American fightback on Sunday, the outcome reasserts European dominance in the prestigious biennial competition.
The drama-filled contest was a masterful showcase of the sport’s high-stakes match play, proving once again that home-field advantage offers little guarantee in this fiercely competitive trans-Atlantic rivalry. Captain Luke Donald’s team has not only retained the cup but secured Europe’s first victory on American soil since the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ in 2012, cementing his legacy as a back-to-back winning captain.
The Historic Lead and the US Avalanche
Team Europe entered Sunday’s Singles matches with a commanding 11.5 to 4.5 lead—the largest advantage any European team has ever taken into the final day. Only two and a half points were needed to retain the trophy. However, the United States, led by an inspired effort from the top of their lineup, unleashed an avalanche of red on the scoreboard, threatening to stage the greatest comeback in the Cup’s history.
The US charge was spearheaded by stellar performances from players like Cameron Young and Justin Thomas, who secured critical early points. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler defeated Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele delivered a dominant victory over Jon Rahm, 4&3. The deficit rapidly narrowed, sending waves of anxiety through the European camp as the pressure mounted.
Clutch Golf Seals the Victory
With the overall score tightening, Europe’s seasoned campaigners and a rising star delivered the crucial final points needed.
* Ludvig Åberg delivered Europe’s first singles point, beating Patrick Cantlay 2&1, bringing the team closer to the magic number.
* The pivotal moment for retention came from Shane Lowry. Trailing Russell Henley late in their match, the Irishman birdied three of the last four holes, sinking a six-yard putt on the 18th to halve the match. That half-point pushed Europe past the 14-point threshold required to retain the Cup as the defending champion.
* The final point for outright victory—to ensure the Cup was won and not just retained—came from the unbeaten Tyrrell Hatton. His halve against Collin Morikawa secured the 14.5 points needed, pushing the final score to a dramatic 15-13.
Headline Points on the European Triumph
* Historic Away Win: Europe’s 15-13 victory at Bethpage Black marks their first win on American soil since 2012 and only the third time since 1987.
* Dominant Start: Europe won all four sessions over the first two days (Foursomes and Fourballs), a first since 1979, establishing an insurmountable 11.5-4.5 lead.
* Clutch Performances: Shane Lowry’s final-hole birdie to halve his match secured the necessary point for Europe to retain the trophy, while Tyrrell Hatton’s final halve secured the outright win.
* Captain’s Legacy: Luke Donald becomes only the second European captain to win back-to-back Ryder Cups, joining Tony Jacklin.
* A New Power Player: The performance highlights a new wave of European talent, with the team overcoming a hostile environment to silence the New York crowds and reassert their strength in team golf.
The victorious European team, despite the emotional and physical toll of the American comeback, celebrated a hard-fought and historic win. The US team, while disappointed with the overall result, can take heart from their incredible Sunday singles effort. The 45th Ryder Cup delivered an all-time classic, reaffirming its status as golf’s most thrilling team event.