Francesco Molinari delivered the decisive point as Europe beat the USA by 17.5-10.5 to win the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in Paris.
Thomas Bjorn’s side started the Sunday singles matches with a commanding 10-6 lead, but Europe had to survive a mid-round scare with the USA winning three and halving one of the opening five games to bring the score back to 10.5 – 9.5.
Justin Thomas won a thrilling opening match against Rory McIlroy on the 18th after the Northern Irishman found a plugged lie in a fairway bunker before finding the water, and then Brooks Koepka holed a par putt on the final green to salvage a half against Paul Casey despite the American having led with two to play.
With the USA up in many, the rookie Thorbjorn Olesen delivered a vital point for Europe when dispatching Jordan Spieth 5&4, with Jon Rahm able to close out Tiger Woods on the 17th hole in a tense encounter soon after.
Ever the man for a big occasion in Ryder Cups, Ian Poulter won three consecutive holes against the world No.1 Dustin Johnson to turn his match around and win on the final hole as the momentum swung back into Europe’s favour amid frantic trademark chest-beating.
And with the home side needing just a point to close the match out and bring back the trophy, the honours fell, perhaps fittingly, to Molinari who shook the hand of Phil Mickelson when the American hit his approach at the par-3 16th into the water. The Italian hadn’t won a match in the Ryder Cup prior to this week – this week, the reigning Open champion won all five matches after striking up a stunning partnership with Tommy Fleetwood over the opening two days.
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With the cup already won, Sergio Garcia became the all-time leading point scorer in Ryder Cup history after beating Rickie Fowler – and repaying the faith that Bjorn showed when using a wildcard pick on the Spaniard.
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In the last group out, Sweden’s Alex Noren rubbed salt into the US wounds by rolling in a huge birdie putt to close out his match with Bryson DeChambeau.
Sunday Singles results
Thomas def. McIlroy 1 up
Casey and Koepka halved
Simpson def. Rose 3&2
Rahm def. Woods 2&1
Finau def. Fleetwood 6&4
Poulter def. Johnson 2 up
Olesen def. Spieth 5&4
Garcia def. Fowler 2&1
Molinari def. Mickelson 4&2
Reed def. Hatton 3&2
Stenson def. Watson 5&4
Noren def. DeChambeau 1 up
Highlights
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Ryder Cup report cards
Five reasons why Europe won back the Ryder Cup
