Irish golf star Rory McIlroy struggled to contain his emotions as the United States secured a dominant victory in the Ryder Cup.
The United States won the Ryder Cup on Sunday, taking an insurmountable lead over Europe in the team golf showdown to reclaim the trophy.
After victories by Patrick Cantlay, Scottie Scheffler and Bryson Dechambeau put the Americans on the brink of victory at 14-6, it was two-time major winner Collin Morikawa who delivered the clinching blow.
Needing only a half-point to guarantee US victory, Morikawa hit a tee shot at the par-3 17th to three feet from the hole.
After Norway’s Viktor Hovland missed a 45-foot birdie putt, Morikawa tapped in to clinch a half-point for the US side, going 1-up with one hole remaining and assuring the US triumph.
Watch The Ryder Cup 2020. Every Match Day Exclusively Live with Fox Sports, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial >
Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy broke down in tears after the defeat.
“I love being part of this team,” McIlroy said.
“I love my teammates so much and I should have done more for them this week.
“I am glad I got a point on the board for Europe today but I just can‘t wait to get another shot at this.
“It is by far the best experience in golf and I hope the boys and girls watching this today aspire to play in this and the Solheim Cup because there is nothing better than being part of a team, especially with the bond we have in Europe.
“No matter what happens after this I am proud of every single one of those players and our captain and vice captains. I just wish I could have done a little more.
“I am glad I got a point on the board but it has been a tough week.”
The Irishman continued: “I should have done more for them (my teammates) this week.
“I‘m glad I put a point on the board but I can’t wait to get another shot at this.
“It is by far the best experience in golf and I hope little boys and girls watching this today aspire to play in the event or the Solheim Cup, because there‘s nothing better than being part of a team.
“No matter what happens I‘m proud of every player, our captain and vice captains.
“I wish I could have given more. I‘m glad I got a point but it’s been a tough week.”
The Americans, featuring nine of the world’s 11 top-ranked players, seized an 11-5 lead after foursomes and four-ball matches Friday and Saturday, their largest two-day edge since 1975.
The US team needed 3.5 more points from Sunday’s 12 concluding singles matches to take the Cup.
McIlroy won Sunday’s opening match for Europe 3&2 over Tokyo Olympic champion Xander Schauffele, taking his only point of the week.
But Scheffler started the US scoring by defeating world number one Jon Rahm of Spain 4&3.
Moments later, Cantlay, the US PGA playoff champion, completed a 4&2 victory over Ireland’s Shane Lowry.
DeChambeau, last year’s US Open winner, pushed the US team to the brink of victory with a 3&2 triumph over Spain’s Sergio Garcia.
The Americans lead the all-time rivalry 27-14 with two drawn although they still trail Europe 11-9-1 since the expansion beyond a British-Irish squad in 1979.
– with AFP
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
