Europe retains Ryder Cup after U.S. Sunday surge

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. -- Shane Lowry of Ireland drained a 6-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to halve his match, and Team Europe survived a surprise rally by the United States team to retain the Ryder Cup on Sunday at Bethpage Black.

As defending champions, the Europeans needed to reach just 14 points to ensure the Cup stayed with them. Despite starting the day just 2 1/2 points away, it took about five hours, 15 minutes from the first tee time before Europe finally clinched it.

Lowry entered No. 18 1 down in his match against Russell Henley, after Henley missed a 10-footer to put away the match at No. 17. Henley hit a remarkable shot from the sand onto the 18th green, only to miss another 10-footer to seal his victory.

Lowry drained his putt to give Team Europe the final half-point boost it needed to reach 14, and several teammates joined him on the green in raucous celebration.

It marks Team Europe's 11th win in the last 15 Ryder Cups and its second in a row under captain Luke Donald of England.

The United States was outplayed throughout Friday and Saturday and needed 10 of an available 12 points to pull off the largest comeback in Ryder Cup history.

Despite clutch performances by Cameron Young, Justin Thomas and Scottie Scheffler -- who won his first point after an 0-4-0 start -- the Americans and first-time captain Keegan Bradley came up short and will have plenty to address before the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland.

The United States' loss also ended a five-match winning streak for the hosts in the event. No visiting team had won the Ryder Cup since Europe's "Miracle at Medinah" comeback in 2012.

Europe entered the day leading 11 1/2 points to 4 1/2, but the scoreline became 12-5 before a match began.

Norway's Viktor Hovland withdrew from singles after hurting his neck Saturday morning and being unable to move it when he awoke Sunday. The U.S. took Harris English out of the lineup in the event's rarely used "envelope rule," and the match counted as a draw.

--Adam Zielonka, Field Level Media