CHASKA, MN—The wait is now over.
The American squad used a total team effort in recapturing the Ryder Cup with a resounding 17–11 victory over Team Europe. The victory ended a three-win streak for Europe and was sweet retribution for an American squad which squandered a four-point final day lead four years ago at Medinah with a team Captained by Davis Love III -- the same man who held the helm position for this year’s team for the contest hosted at Hazeltine National Golf Club in the Minneapolis suburbs.
At 4:10 PM local time American Ryder Cup rookie and final Captain’s pick Ryan Moore provided the clinching victory point with an 18th hole conceded par that finally ended the anguish the American squad has endured for 8 of the last 10 times when losing to Team Europe in the bi-annual contest.
“We learned a lot from the last 4-5 Ryder Cup Matches,” said a relieved and cheerful USA Captain Davis Love III.
The American squad entered the final day of 12 Singles matches with a three point cushion. Only twice since 1979 in Ryder Cup history -- in 1999 at The Country Club when the USA rebounded in spectacular fashion overcoming a four-point deficit, and at Medinah when Team Europe fashioned an equally remarkable comeback -- has a team overcome such a margin.
Knowing such a monumental final day comeback could only happen with a positioning of his star players at the top of the line-up, European Captain Darren Clarke opened with his best team player Rory McIlroy followed by Open Champion Henrik Stenson, rookie sensation Thomas Pieters and Olympic golf champion Justin Rose. Clarke believed a quick start by this quartet could provide valuable momentum and snare another improbable comeback.
