Europe’s golfers have won back the Ryder Cup from the USA after an event-packed tournament in Rome.
The European team reached their target of 14.5 points on Sunday afternoon after final-day singles wins for Viktor Hovland, Rory McIlroy, Tyrell Hatton, Robert MacIntyre and Tommy Fleetwood, who secured the crucial victory over Rickie Fowler.
The final score was 16.5-11.5.
It means the Europeans reclaim the title they lost to the USA in 2021 and brings to an end a tournament which will be remembered for its controversial incidents as much as its golf.
Rory McIlroy, who was involved in an altercation on Saturday, appeared to be fighting back tears as he spoke to Sky Sports after beating Sam Burns.
McIlroy was upset after a US team caddie, Joe LaCava, failed to leave his eyeline as he prepared to putt and went on to miss the shot.
LaCava continued celebrating after his player, Patrick Cantlay, had holed his own putt.
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The drama spilled over to the car park outside the clubhouse, where McIlroy was seen pointing and shouting.
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Fellow European player Shane Lowry intervened to pull McIlroy away and towards a waiting car to leave the course.
The Northern Irishman said he “used it [the incident] to my advantage, to give me a different level of focus and determination.”
LaCava apologised to McIlroy before Sunday’s play, the Daily Mail said.
There was more needle on Sunday, as Cantlay was taunted for the second day running by European fans after it was reported that he was refusing to wear a Team USA cap in protest at players not being paid to compete in the Ryder Cup.
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He again went cap-less as he beat Justin Rose on Sunday.
USA team captain Zach Johnson said afterwards that the Europeans “played great” and “earned it”, admitting his side “got outplayed”.
Rose, the oldest player in the tournament, said the pressure of the Ryder Cup was unique, as “when you win you feel like a hero, but if you lose you’re a zero.”
Lowry said being involved was “incredible” and called it “the experience of my life”.
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