Europe Wins 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, Extends Home Winning Streak

When Tommy Fleetwood was assured of at least a halve with Rickie Fowler, the Ryder Cup was clinched.

The Americans had a glimmer of hope after Patrick Cantlay and “HatGate” ahead of Sunday’s singles matches, but the burst of momentum was not enough to overtake the Europeans, who ultimately captured the 44th Ryder Cup in Rome thanks to stellar play all week. 

Holding a 10½–5½ lead entering Sunday, the Europeans only needed four points to win the Cup and Viktor Hovland secured the first of the day for his squad—4 and 3 over a hatless Collin Morikawa.

The opening match between world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and No. 3 Jon Rahm closed out shortly thereafter, with the two stars ending the 18th hole match in a tie. The fiery matchup was back-and-forth all day with each player winning six holes, and Scheffler’s inability to secure the full point, after losing the 18th hole, was costly for the Americans. 

Cantlay defeated Justin Rose, 2 and 1, and soon after, Rory McIlroy shut down Sam Burns, 3 and 1. Both Cantlay and McIlroy cited Saturday night’s incident as fuel for the day. Brooks Koepka also won his match against Ludvig Aberg, 3 and 2.

“It was a bit of a deflating finish last night,” McIlroy said to NBC’s Cara Banks. “But I think what transpired on that last green gave us a fire in our bellies to try to go out and get the job done today.”

The Europeans inched one step closer to victory when Tyrrell Hatton beat British Open champion Brian Harman, 3 and 2. Hatton’s win helped Europe reach 14 points, just a half-point away from reclaiming the Cup.

Matt Fitzpatrick had the first chance to end it when his match against Max Homa reached the 18th hole. Homa was 1 up and needed to tie the Englishman on No. 18 for the competition to continue with five matches remaining on the course. Fitzpatrick missed a 15-footer for the Cup, and Homa then sunk a 7-foot par putt to win the ninth point for the Americans and extend the tension. Meanwhile, Xander Schauffele won his match over rookie Nicolai Hojgaard, 3 and 2. 

The Europeans looked to have a chance to secure the half-point they needed in the match between Justin Thomas and Sepp Straka—which extended to the 18th hole—but then Rickie Fowler hit his tee shot into the water on the drivable par-4 16th. His opponent, Tommy Fleetwood then made a two-putt birdie, with Fowler conceding the final putt. 

The Europeans had officially reclaimed the Ryder Cup. 

Here are the results from Sunday’s singles matches. This file will be updated. 

Scottie Scheffler vs. Jon Rahm: Tied

Collin Morikawa vs. Viktor Hovland: 4&3, Hovland

Patrick Cantlay vs. Justin Rose: 2 and 1, Cantlay

Sam Burns vs. Rory McIlroy: 3 and 1, McIlroy

Max Homa vs. Matt Fitzpatrick: 1 up, Homa

Brian Harman vs. Tyrrell Hatton: 3 and 2, Hatton

Brooks Koepka vs. Ludvig Aberg: 3 and 2, Koepka

Justin Thomas vs. Sepp Straka: 2 up, Thomas

Xander Schauffele vs. Nicolai Hojgaard: 3 and 2, Schauffele

Jordan Spieth vs. Shane Lowry: Tied

Rickie Fowler vs. Tommy Fleetwood: 3 and 1, Fleetwood

Wyndham Clark vs. Robert MacIntyre: MacIntyre, 2 and 1