The Americans started the day today trailing the Europeans by 3-points and
Steve Stricker
it would be a tall order for the Americans to retain the Ryder Cup. But the Americans almost pulled it off.
Madison’s Steve Stricker started the day with a 2-up victory over Lee Westwood. Dustin Johnson followed shortly after to gain another point for the Americans.
It provided a spark for the U.S. players, who eventually evened the score at 13 1/2 with Graeme McDowell holding off Hunter Mahan in the final match to snatch victory from the Americans.
Some clutch putting by 21-year old Rickie Fowler put the U.S. in a position where they wouldn’t need a win from Mahan, just a tie to retain possession of the Ryder Cup. But Mahan was short with his tee shot at the par 3 17th, then he flubbed his chip shot and missed a long putt from off the green to save par.
It provided for quite a match though, with the match not being decided until the final two golfers. But the Europeans regained possession of the Ryder Cup, which they lost at Valhalla two years ago. It’s the fourth straight win on home soil for the Europeans. The last American win away from home came back in 1993. Europe has now won 6 of the last 8 Ryder Cup meetings overall.