Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images

Russell Henley reflects on missed putt that killed Team USA’s Ryder Cup comeback hopes

Originally posted on HITC | By James Shearman | Last updated Sep 29, 2025 3:44 PM ET

Russell Henley will undoubtedly want to forget his missed putt on the 18th hole at Bethpage Black.

Henley had an opportunity to keep Team USA’s Ryder Cup hopes alive by defeating Shane Lowry in the Sunday singles. However, his attempt was unsuccessful.

The American’s effort did not even get to the hole, and Lowry then stepped up to drain his own putt to tie the match.

That half-point pushed Team Europe to 14, confirming they had retained the trophy after their win in Rome two years earlier.

Henley did not hide his disappointment when reflecting on the moment.

Russell Henley responds after missing vital putt against Shane Lowry at the Ryder Cup

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Henley gave a solid account of himself against Shane Lowry, one of Europe’s most reliable players, and there’s plenty to respect in the way he played.

Even so, missing out on that singles point will sting, especially knowing it could have kept US hopes alive for a dramatic comeback.

But the real damage was done earlier in the week. The US fell behind with too many mistakes on Friday and Saturday, so it was not just down to Henley’s Sunday finish.

“Yeah, I played well. Definitely felt the nerves coming down the stretch. I’ve never felt nerves quite like that. It was quite an experience, quite an atmosphere.

“Very disappointed with the way I finished, leaving those putts short, but I gave it to myself, and hopefully I learned from it.”

Russell Henley reflects on the positives from the Ryder Cup

Even though Team USA fell short, Henley still found some positives to take away from his first Ryder Cup appearance.

He highlighted the strong “camaraderie” in the US locker room, a bond often underestimated by external observers.

“Just the camaraderie from the team. The team is an unbelievable thing to be able to play on a team, and I feel like I’ve gotten closer to these guys.

“They’ve supported me through thick and thin. It’s just awesome. It’s a great feeling,” the 36-year-old said.

Henley had a fantastic 2025 season on the PGA Tour, even reaching as high as third in the world rankings. With that form behind him, there is every reason to believe he will continue building momentum heading into 2026.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: