The Americans were simply too good on the greens at Hazeltine National Golf Club and won the Ryder Cup on Sunday. Captain Davis Love III, with his 12-man American team, lifted the trophy after a stunning week in Minnesota.
‘I’m just proud of these guys, they’ve had a lot of pressure on them,’ said Love. ‘I’m proud of the way every one of them played, and I’ve never seen a team come together like a family like this.’
Patrick Reed was first out in the Sunday singles and will be lauded as the hero of the group, but his team mates were equally impressive.
Time to celebrate#RyderCup pic.twitter.com/HTJtdr9TKp
— Mike McAllister (@PGATOUR_mikemc) October 2, 2016
Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia made 19 birdies between themselves to halve their match, while Rickie Fowler made good on his captain’s pick with a 1up victory over Justin Rose.
American rookie Brooks Koepka dished out a 5&4 thrashing to Masters champ Danny Willett, who couldn’t buy a putt.
Ryan Moore, who got the final captain’s pick after his runner-up at the PGA Tour Championship last week, won the final three holes of his match with Lee Westwood to deliver a point and secure the win for Team USA.
From no place in @RyderCupUSA to hitting the winning shot at Hazeltine National in the space of a week. Incredible. #RyderCup #GoUSA pic.twitter.com/cpJKPrbHcz
— Golfing World (@GolfingWorld) October 2, 2016
At the start of the tournament Team USA dominated the Friday four-somes and Team Europe failed to overcome the deficit. There was too much work to be done on Sunday, especially in front of the rowdy crowds, and America strolled to victory.
‘Unbelievable golf this week from both teams,’ Love said. ‘We had a good strategy and I think we supported these guys well.’
