It’s Europe Time
Europe has regained the Ryder Cup from the United States after a sensational and gripping finale at Celtic Manor in South Wales.
At one stage, Europe were ahead in eight of the singles matches and appeared well on their way to wrapping up victory with indecent haste but the United States, as they did in fighting back from a 10-6 deficit to win at Brookline 11 years ago, finally rallied.
Red numbers began appearing on the scoreboard, and the US resilience was underlined when 21-year-old rookie Rickie Fowler fought back from three down with three to play against Edoardo Molinari to halve his match with a nerveless putt on 18.
Amid the mayhem, Graeme McDowell had to stay cool, calm and collected, and he delivered just when his captain needed it when he rolled in an amazing birdie putt on the 16th green to go two up with two to play. While it meant he couldn’t lose, it was a vital putt because he’d lost the previous hole and if that putt hadn’t gone in, it would have meant that he’d have been heading to the 18th hole only one up.
The cup was eventually won and lost at the 17th however. McDowell needed to get down in two from the edge of the green under unbearable pressure in front of 35,000 fans, but Hunter Mahan then missed his putt, conceded the match, and Europe began wild celebrations.
‘Graeme was put there (12th in the singles) for a very good reason. He is the US Open champion and full of confidence, and it showed,’ said Montgomerie.
Congratulations to Europe.
