Farmingdale, N.Y. — Europe has once again silenced American hopes on home soil, defeating the United States 15–13 to capture the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. The victory, secured in dramatic fashion on Sunday, marked Europe’s first away win since the “Miracle at Medinah” in 2012 and cemented captain Luke Donald’s legacy as one of the most successful leaders in modern Ryder Cup history.
From the opening tee shot on Friday morning, Europe seized control. Their foursome pairings clicked immediately, claiming three of four matches to build momentum. The afternoon fourballs saw more resistance from the Americans, but Europe still extended their advantage.
By Saturday evening, Europe’s grip had tightened. Dominant in the alternate-shot format and steady in fourballs, the visitors carried an 11½–4½ lead into the singles. It was one of the largest cushions ever seen heading into the final day, leaving the U.S. with little margin for error.
Sunday’s singles began with a twist: Viktor Hovland withdrew due to a neck injury, triggering the Ryder Cup’s “envelope rule,” which meant his match was halved automatically. That gave both sides half a point, setting the score at 12–5 in Europe’s favor before a shot was struck.
What followed was a fierce American surge. Scottie Scheffler edged Rory McIlroy in a high-profile duel, Jordan Spieth delivered under pressure, and several U.S. players fed off the raucous New York crowd to cut into Europe’s lead. At one point, the outcome hung in the balance.
But Europe’s veterans answered when it mattered. Shane Lowry buried a nerveless birdie putt on the 18th to halve his match against Russell Henley, clinching the point that guaranteed Europe would retain the Cup. Minutes later, Tyrrell Hatton split his match with Collin Morikawa, pushing the visitors to the outright win.
The 15–13 result was closer than Europe’s early dominance suggested, but it underscored the team’s resilience under intense pressure. With the victory, Europe captured its fifth Ryder Cup on American soil and handed Keegan Bradley’s U.S. squad a stinging defeat in front of their home fans.
For Donald, who also captained Europe’s triumph in Rome in 2023, the win secures his place in Ryder Cup history as one of the rare leaders to guide his side to consecutive victories both at home and abroad.
The week was not without controversy. The Bethpage galleries, known for their intensity, were criticized by some European players for overstepping the line with taunts and heckling. Rory McIlroy was particularly outspoken, recounting that his wife had been struck by a beer during the event.
Still, amid the noise, Europe’s unity shone through. The trusted “Fleetwood–Mac” pairing of Tommy Fleetwood and McIlroy proved invaluable once more, while clutch performances from Hatton and Lowry sealed the Cup.
The result continues Europe’s recent dominance in the biennial contest and raises questions for the U.S. about strategy, pairings, and leadership moving forward. For now, though, Europe will savor another famous victory on American soil — a testament to teamwork, grit, and composure under fire.
Final Score: Europe 15, United States 13.
