Europe win Ryder Cup as Fleetwood goes two up after McIlroy's heroics

Tommy Fleetwood celebrates the winning putt on the 17th green

Tommy Fleetwood celebrates the winning putt on the 17th green

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Jack Walters

By Jack Walters


Published: 01/10/2023

- 16:21

Updated: 01/10/2023

- 16:47

Luke Donald's side avenged their 2021 Ryder Cup defeat in Whistling Straits and extended Europe's unbeaten run on continental soil

Europe have won the 2023 Ryder Cup as Tommy Fleetwood went two up to secure victory after Rory McIlroy's heroics earlier this afternoon.

Team Europe halted any American comeback by producing a dominant opening set of singles performances on Sunday at the Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome.


Four points were needed in the final session for Europe to secure the Ryder Cup.

McIlroy provided some last day heroics as he overcame an altercation with Patrick Cantlay's caddie Joe LaCava to defeat American rival Sam Burns.

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The 34-year-old choked up after his victory and revealed yesterday's incident helped fuel him on the final day in Rome.

Fleetwood would later seal the deal for Europe by going two up against Rickie Fowler.

"I really didn't want it to come down to one of us at the back," Fleetwood said.

"I can't wait to see the rest of the guys, I can't wait to see the captain, our wives and the rest of our families.

Rory McIlroy of Team Europe putts on the sixth greenRory McIlroy of Team Europe putts on the sixth greenGETTY

"I'm just so happy to play a part in it and so proud to be part of this team. We've done what we came here to do.

"I couldn't wish for a better bunch of people to do this with. It has been so amazing. It's the coolest experience."

Team Europe captain Luke Donald, 45, celebrated the moment but was emotional as he spoke to reporters.

He told Sky Sports: "I am pretty emotional. It’s been a long process, an amazing journey and I have really enjoyed this one.

Zach Johnson, Captain of Team United States interacts with Luke Donald, Captain of Team Europe on the 18th green

Zach Johnson, Captain of Team United States interacts with Luke Donald, Captain of Team Europe on the 18th green

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"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?

Luke Donald, Captain of Team Europe speaks during a press conference

Luke Donald, Captain of Team Europe speaks during a press conference

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"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."

The final score stood at Europe on 16.5 and the United States on 11.5.

However, celebrations were in full swing before the final ball was putted.

Robert MacIntyre eventually overcame US Open champion Wyndham Clark and Shane Lowry earned a tie against Jordan Spieth.

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