Ryder Cup 2012: Europe beat USA after record comeback
Europe staged the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup history yesterday, winning the Trophy in-front of a stunned crowd at Medinah Country Club, Chicago.
The United States started Sunday’s singles needing just four-and-a-half points (from the 12 available) to reclaim the trophy, but the Europeans secured eight and a half to clinch a historic 14½-13½ win.
Luke Donald
set the tone for the day with victory over Bubba Watson in the opening match, and Europe won the next four to turn the scoreboards into a sea of blue.
With Justin Rose also two up on Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy holding off the previously unbeatable Keegan Bradley – despite arriving at Medinah just 10 minutes before his tee time – and Paul Lawrie taking early control against Brandt Snedeker, there was an entirely different atmosphere around the course than there had been on the first two one-sided days.
Justin Rose produced the finish of the day as he birdied the last two holes – nailing a 50-footer at 17 – to snatch a one-hole victory over Phil Mickelson.
The points kept coming for Europe. Jim Furyk collapsed from the same position against Sergio Garcia by pushing two six-foot putts right. Then, after Zach Johnson held off a tired Graeme McDowell, Lee Westwood found his form to beat Matt Kuchar 3&2 and put Europe 13-12 up.
It was peerless sporting theatre, the sun-drenched autumnal course awash with excitement.
When Jason Dufner held his nerve to see out Peter Hanson two up on the 18th, the score was level again at 13-13 with just two matches, both all-square, left on the course.
None of the four players still in action – Martin Kaymer, Steve Stricker, Francesco Molinari and Tiger Woods – had won a single point between them all week.
Stricker broke first, making a dreadful mess of his putts on 17 and then booming his approach to 18 long, while Kaymer conjured up a beauty from the fairway bunker.
With Woods going one up on Molinari on 17, Kaymer had two putts for the Cup. And he somehow held his nerve as the shadows lengthened to seal an extraordinary triumph.
With the packed home galleries silent with disbelief, a dazed Woods then blew two putts from within eight feet to hand Molinari a half point and with it overall victory to the Europeans.
It was a fitting tribute to the late Seve Ballesteros, the man who did so much to reinvigorate the competition and whose trademark colours the side wore on the final day in Chicago.
“Seve will always be present with this team,” said fellow Spaniard and victorious European captain Olazabal.
“He was a big factor for this event, for the European side. Last night, when we were having a meeting, I think the boys understood that believing was the most important thing. And I think they did.”
