Europe WIN Ryder Cup in thrilling finale after holding off valiant USA fightback to clinch victory in Rome

EUROPE have won the Ryder Cup 16.5-11.5.

Luke Donald’s men put in a blistering performance throughout the weekend at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, holding off a late comeback by the US.

ReutersEurope survived a late US comeback[/caption]

GettyRory McIlroy’s Ryder Cup was emotional after victory on Sunday[/caption]

GettyViktor Hovland was outstanding throughout the weekend[/caption]

Tommy Fleetwood secured the win on the 16th green, lifting his arms as Rickie Fowler conceded and it was soon official.

It means the US failed to retain the title after cruising to a 19-9 victory in 2021 at Whistling Straits.

The Americans have now failed to win outside their homeland since 1993.

In the 44th edition of the Ryder Cup, Europe got off to a flying start on Friday morning and never looked back.

They won all four of the opening day’s foursomes with Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood completing the fantastic start after John Rahm and Tyrell Hatton had got the winning streak going.

Friday afternoon’s four-ball also saw Europe stay in control as three of the matches were tied before McIlory and Matt Fitzpatrick put their continent 5-0 up by defeating Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele.

The United States began to find their form on Saturday, winning four of the eight clashes with partners Max Homa and Brian Harman victorious in both of their clashes.

Day two was not without controversy, with McIlroy starting a row Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava.

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PAJon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton got Europe’s first point on Friday[/caption]

ReutersUSA’s Patrick Cantlay was taunted by fans[/caption]

peacockMcIlroy had a bust-up in the car park with the US team[/caption]

The Northern Irishman was caught trying to distract him as he lined up a putt on the 18th hole.

LaCava was seen taking off his cap and waving it at McIlroy as they engaged in a heated conversation on the green.

The world No2 continued his war with the caddie in the car park and had to be bundled into a vehicle by team-mate Shane Lowry after blowing his top with Team USA following the dramatic defeat Cantlay and Wyndham Clark.

That was all after European fans mocked Cantlay by waving their hats after reports the he was protesting not being paid to play at the Ryder Cup by refusing to wear a cap.

Meanwhile, Justin Thomas was accused of cheating by fans after he kicked his own ball by what appeared to be an accident.

And Sam Burns quietened a raucous Rome crowd with a brilliant putt and cupped his ears, saying: “What’s that? I can’t hear you. I can’t f***ing hear you.”

Europe went into Sunday’s singles needing just four points to reclaim the Ryder Cup.

Rahm and Scottie Scheffler saw a tight match tied before the wonderful Viktor Hovland impressed again as he beat Morikawa 4&3.

Cantlay defeated Justin Rose 2&1 before Europe went one and a half away as an emotional McIlroy beat Burns 3&1.

Tyrell Hatton then moved his continent to the brink of lifting the trophy as he beat Harman 3&2.

But the celebrations were delayed as Fitzpatrick had a chance to win the Ryder Cup and missed his putt only for Homa to keep his nerve to beat him.

GettyScottie Scheffler didn’t secure a win this weekend[/caption]

GettyJustin Thomas singles win over Sepp Straka was not enough[/caption]

The Americans then went about closing the score as Ludvig Aberg fell to Brooks Koepka and Xander Schauffele beat Nicolai Hojgaard both 3&2.

Thomas then defeated Sepp Straka as the US made a valiant effort on the final day.

But it proved to not be enough with Fleetwood rolling his putt within three feet and Fowler conceded.

It sent him two up with two holes to play to guarantee at least a half point.

Fleetwood held out for a 3&1 win to spark jubilant scenes with fans rushing onto the course to surround the green and one supporter dived in the lake.

A tearful captain Donald said: “I am pretty emotional. It’s been a long process, an amazing journey and I have really enjoyed this one.

“It was stressful as the US put up a fight today so hats off to them.

“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.”

AFPTommy Fleetwood won it on the 16th[/caption]

PALuke Donald led Europe to regain the Ryder Cup[/caption]