Europe Retain Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black

Team Europe retained the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black after Shane Lowry sank a nervy putt on the 18th to secure the 14 points needed. Europe had built an 11½–4½ lead after the first two days, the largest two-day advantage in Ryder Cup history, leaving the United States with an uphill task entering singles. Viktor Hovland withdrew before singles with a shoulder injury and his match was halved under the tournament’s envelope rule, reducing the points Europe required before play began. The Americans mounted a partial comeback in singles with wins from Cameron Young, Justin Thomas and Scottie Scheffler (who beat Rory McIlroy), but it was insufficient to overturn Europe’s cushion. The week was marred by hostile crowd behaviour toward players, including profanity-laced chants directed at Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry and the controversial involvement of emcee Heather McMahan, who later stepped down amid criticism.