Tag: Ryder Cup 2023

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Ryder Cup Triumphs to Ace Hat-Trick: The Best Golf Shots of 2023

The year 2023 thrilled with grandiose strokes on both the big stage and the smaller one. (Photos: Getty)
The year 2023 thrilled with grandiose strokes on both the big stage and the smaller one. (Photos: Getty)

2023 was marked by major tournaments and outstanding shots, often coinciding. The Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup provided particularly memorable moments alongside prestigious individual events. However, even on a smaller stage, the odd shot or two caught the golf world’s attention. So, let’s enjoy the most brilliant shots of the year together.

Ryder Cup 2023: Hovland’s Pro Practice Hole-in-One Sets the Course

Leading up to the Ryder Cup, Viktor Hovland delivered an exceptional shot from over 270 meters during a practice round. The Norwegian set the stage for victory at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club with a Hole-in-One on the Par-4 of the fifth hole. Initially, the celebration was delayed, but joy knew no bounds when the ball landed on the green, took two small bounces, and rolled into the hole. While Hovland didn’t replicate the albatross during the tournament, his outstanding shot set the tone for an extraordinary performance.

On the tournament’s first day, Hovland showcased his prowess at shorter distances, delivering a remarkable chip-in despite chipping not being his forte. Hovland contributed significantly to Team Europe’s strong start in the Ryder Cup with that fantastic shot. The hosts secured a 4-0 lead on the opening day, a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Inspired by Hovland’s chip-in, Jon Rahm, also known as ‘Rahmbo,’ demonstrated his nerves of steel during the Fourballs on the first day. The Spaniard excelled in crucial moments throughout the Ryder Cup and gave free rein to his emotions after winning the hole against Scheffler and Koepka. Rahm and Hojgaard ultimately tied the match against the Americans and played a significant role in Team Europe’s dream start.

Solheim Cup 2023: Ciganda’s Brilliance Leads Team Europe to Victory at Home

A week before the Ryder Cup, European women golfers showcased how winning on home soil is done. Carlota Ciganda stood out during the Solheim Cup 2023 in an exceptional home game in Andalusia, Spain. The singles at the Solheim Cup 2023 could hardly have been more thrilling, as both teams entered the final day with a tie. Almost all matches were close, with the teams alternating securing hole wins. The initial matches were split, with the USA securing four points and Europe another four.

The score was 13-13, with two matches still to play. Ciganda played a decisive role in one of these matches, ensuring the crucial point against Nelly Korda. Ciganda was already leading with ‘3 up’ after eight holes, but the tide turned on the back nine. The American won three holes and went ‘All Square’ to the 16th. Ciganda excited the fans, repeatedly regaining the lead with a birdie. On the 17th, she attacked the flag of the Par-3 with an outstanding drive. Korda missed the green on the left, and the Spaniard had no trouble securing the 14th point for her team with a short putt. Sky reporter Jamie Weir called it the “best golf shot of the year so far.” An unbelievable shot at a moment when the pressure could hardly be higher.

The Solheim Cup 2023 featured another historic shot by Emily Kristine Pedersen, who not only won an essential hole for Team Europe through a hole-in-one on the par-3 12th hole but also created an unforgettable memory with only the second hole-in-one in the history of the Solheim Cup.

Incredible hole-in-one Hat-Trick at the Players Championship

The Players Championship 2023 was a record-breaking tournament. Not only did it feature the highest prize money in the history of the PGA Tour, with $25 million, but it also witnessed a parade of holes-in-one at the 17th hole. There had been ten holes-in-one in the tournament’s history on the 17th hole, and the 11th came swiftly. Hayden Buckley, who started in the second flight at the 10th hole, set the bar high and sank the ball with a single stroke. The ball landed a distance to the flag’s right and then rolled towards the hole, perfectly lining up for the jackpot.
The second hole-in-one set a record as well. On Moving Day, Aaron Rai thrilled the spectators with an ace and became part of a historic moment: The first time in 49 years of the Players Championship that two holes-in-one occurred in the same year on the 17th hole.
As if that weren’t enough, the final day was yet to come, and Alex Smalley delighted the audience with the third ace of the week.

Near Miss Excellence: Nicolai von Dellingshausen’s Heart-Stopping Shot at the British Masters

During the British Masters, Nicolai von Dellingshausen narrowly missed a hole-in-one at the British Masters, with his tee shot on the 14th hole at The Belfry coming within two centimetres of the cup.

Sepp Straka’s Dream Shot at the Masters

The US Masters 2023 had barely begun, and Sepp Straka already had a reason to celebrate. During the preparatory round leading up to the tournament, the Austrian made a hole-in-one on the 12th hole. His caddy and the entire flight rejoiced along with the Vienna-born player for the magnificent shot.

Sahith Theegala then caused a sensation with a stroke of genius during the tournament. The American delivered an impressive overall performance on the final day of the US Masters 2023. The 67-round of the Masters rookie was crowned by an incredible chip-in on the 16th hole. The dream shot reminded some spectators of a legendary shot from the US Masters 2005. Back then, golf legend Tiger Woods also holed the ball from a similar position, sending the audience into a frenzy.

Koepka Makes it Rain at LIV Golf’s ‘Watering Hole’

The party hole at the LIV Golf event in Adelaide, Australia, lived up to its name, “The Watering Hole,” as the party hole at Hole 12 was christened at the LIV Golf League in Australia. On the final day, Chase Koepka gave the crowd a reason to celebrate, delivering an impressive hole-in-one.

Michael Block’s PGA Championship Fairy Tale

Michael Block delighted fans as the underdog at this year’s PGA Championship. As the only PGA Professional to make it to the weekend of the 2023 PGA Championship, he entered the final round from the top 10 after three rounds in the 70s, alongside none other than Rory McIlroy. Fans celebrated him as a star, and he crowned his week with a hole-in-one on the 15th hole. The fan favourite could hardly believe that the ball landed in the hole. ‘It didn’t go in, did it?’

Nick Hardy’s Brilliant Birdie With a Shattered Club

Nick Hardy created a highlight on the PGA Tour with a sensational shot. His drive landed unfavourably right in front of a tree. He took the entire risk and hit the ball over the water onto the green. The club struck the tree so forcefully during the swing that it was no longer usable afterwards. However, the ball landed three and a half meters from the flag, allowing him to achieve one of the most spectacular birdies of the year. Even Billy Horschel congratulated him.

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Emotions, triumphs and tears: The memorable golf year 2023

A year full of emotions: Highlights, victories and moving stories that will make the 2023 golf year unforgettable. (Photos: Getty)
A year full of emotions: Highlights, victories and moving stories that will make the 2023 golf year unforgettable. (Photos: Getty)

The year 2023 in golf was characterized by personal stories that went beyond the competition. From the joy of the birth of Brooks Koepka’s first son to the moving success of Camilo Villegas after the tragic loss of his daughter, golf revealed its human and compassionate side this year. Let’s dive into the most emotional moments that shaped the golf year 2023.

Cheers on one side, tears on the other – The Ryder Cup 2023 in Rome

The 2023 Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club just outside Rome was not only the athletic but also the emotional highlight of the year. Hundreds of thousands of fans created a breathtaking atmosphere and cheered the European team on to a magnificent victory. Shane Lowry was infected by the atmosphere and celebrated a chip-in from Viktor Hovland on the first hole of the tournament as emotionally as the victory itself.

The incomparable atmosphere was also palpable with a putt from Justin Rose. The Englishman held his nerve during his fourball match on the first day and converted an important putt on the 18th green to level the match. This goosebump moment is one of the situations for which Rose received the Nicklaus Jacklin for his sportsmanship.

The Europeans had to wait a long time for the decisive point, despite their superiority. In the end, it was Tommy Fleetwood who put up 2 on hole 16 in his match and was thus unable to lose to Rickie Fowler. He secured the decisive half point for his team. It was the USA’s seventh defeat in a row on European soil. The often favored team has not won an away game since 1993. In the end, there was no stopping the fans and players and a night of partying began that would not end until the early hours of the morning.

As good as the victory was for the Europeans, the Ryder Cup experience was a bitter one for the Americans. With the Europeans holding a huge lead on the first day, the pressure was on the American players. When the Scandinavians Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg then demolished the US stars Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka in the third session on Saturday morning, the dams burst. In the highest Foursome victory in the history of the traditional continental tournament, the duel was decided after just eleven holes with a nine-stroke lead. The severe humiliation was particularly hard on superstar Scheffler, who could no longer hold back his tears afterwards and had to be comforted by his wife Meredith.

Even after the Ryder Cup, there were both happy and tragic events. Firstly, Patrick Cantlay took advantage of the trip to the eternal city and married his partner Nikki Guidish after the tournament. Just one day later, a major fire broke out on the grounds of the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, burning down the entire hospitality tent.

New additions to the Koepka family

But let’s get back to more pleasant topics. For example, the birth of little Crew Koepka, the first baby of five-time major winner Brooks Koepka and his wife Jena Sims. The couple welcomed their son on July 27, six weeks before the actual due date. However, both mother and son were well up, so that Brooks Koepka was back on the golf course just one week after the birth.

 
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The most emotional victories of the year

Many different players have managed to win a tournament this year. Some won a professional event for the first time ever, others added more trophies to their collection. However, two victories are particularly memorable as they touched us deeply. At the beginning of November, Erik van Rooyen won only the second tournament in his ten-year professional career and dedicated the victory to his friend Jon Trasamar, who is suffering from cancer. “You imagine being full of euphoria and just ecstatic, but I was just numb,” the AP agency quoted van Rooyen as saying. The South African then decided not to take part in the remaining Fall Series tournaments and spent the time with his sick friend.

Just one week after van Rooyen’s victory, the Colombian Camilo Villegas celebrated a similarly emotional triumph. Villegas lost his daughter Mia in 2020 at the age of just 22 months. Little Mia suffered from a severe brain and spinal tumor. Villegas returned to the tour a month later. “Mia is not here with us physically, but she will remain in our hearts forever,” said the Colombian in an emotional interview that day.

More than three years later, Villegas won again on the PGA Tour for the first time since the death of his daughter. It was the Colombian’s fifth title on the tour. However, his last victory was nine years ago. “It’s hard to put into words right now,” he said during the interview shortly after the last putt. “What a rollercoaster ride! I love this game. This game has given me so many good things and in between it kicks your butt.” Villegas had repeatedly lost his Tour card in recent years and also only got eleven starts on the PGA Tour this season. “I’ve got my little girl up there watching,” he remembered Mia. Villegas and his wife have been parents for the second time since December 2022.

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From tea-gate to hat-gate: the biggest outrages of 2023

outrages -2023
What were the outrages of 2023? (Photo: Getty)

This year once again had some explosive moments, because while there were open disputes among some, things became unexpectedly controversial around Tiger Woods. Patrick Cantlay was at the center of a heated situation more than once in 2023 and climate activists also made their presence felt on golf courses around the world on several occasions. A Canadian player made the acquaintance of security and Patrick Reed feels unfairly treated.

Outrages at the 2023 Ryder Cup: Patrick Cantlay’s hat-gate and McIlroy vs. LaCava

As if the Ryder Cup didn’t have enough to offer this year, Patrick Cantlay’s non-existent headgear was to take center stage in Rome. Triggered by a tweet, rumors quickly spread over the course of Saturday that the non-existent cap was a protest by Cantlay to demand money for the American players at the Ryder Cup. The 31-year-old said that the cap simply didn’t fit him, but the European fans in Rome had already found their battle cries:

The resulting heated situation erupted towards the end of the fourball between Matt Fitzpatrick/Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay/Wyndham Clark. Joe LaCava, Cantlay’s caddie and former companion of Tiger Woods, caused a stir. Inspired by the European spectators, he and the rest of the US team took off their hats after Cantlay’s birdie putt and began to twirl them above their heads. Rory McIlroy , who was on the verge of a crucial putt on 18 with which he could theoretically have equalized the match. McIlroy made his opinion clear to LaCava and there were also arguments with other members of the European team.

But it had an aftermath, because as the players, caddies and consorts were getting ready in the parking lot of the Marco Simone Golf Club for transportation to the hotel, the conflict was about to boil over again. A visibly heated Rory McIlroy wanted to let the American team know once again what he thought of LaCava’s action and snapped at Jim Mackay, Justin Thomas’ caddie, who was just leaving the clubhouse. Shane Lowry intervened and maneuvered McIlroy into the waiting car. According to McIlroy himself, he then had to cool down in an ice bath at the hotel.

Slow play heats things up

It was not only at the Ryder Cup that Patrick Cantlay was to become the focus of outrages. Cantlay did not only make positive headlines at the US Masters in April. The eight-time winner on the PGA Tour drew the ire of the other players on the final day due to his slow play. This went so far that his flight partner Viktor Hovland played his chip from next to the green on one hole before Cantlay was even close to the green. Brooks Koepka in particular, who was competing for victory with Jon Rahm in the flight behind, had few good words for his compatriot. “The group in front of us was brutally slow,” he said after losing the final round. “Jon went to the loo seven times during the round and we were still waiting.”

Cantlay was not the only cause of delays. Carlota Ciganda, who won the Solheim Cup with the European team this year, was also slow at the women’s major in France – too slow according to the referees. The Spaniard was given two penalty strokes for her slow play and was in danger of missing the cut. But Ciganda refused to accept the penalty and did not bow to the officials’ judgment. She refused to note the extra strokes and signed the scorecard anyway. She was later disqualified from the major for signing an incorrect scorecard.

Climate activism: golf courses become a target for the last generation and co

Controversial actions by climate activists, who protested several times in a prominent and media-effective manner, also accompanied the world of golf throughout the year. On European golf courses, the protests mainly took the form of damage to property. In Switzerland, the group “Grondements des Terres” (rumblings of the earth) caused a stir with vandalism and the placing of potatoes on torn up turf. On the links course at GC Budersand on the island of Sylt, the “Last Generation” also worked on the green and placed a sign saying “nature reserve” to draw attention to the renaturation of the area, which they consider necessary. DGV President Kobold criticized the action and referred to the ecosystem services provided by golf courses. And a major also became the target of activists. On day 2 of the British Open 2023, people from the “Just Stop Oil” organization blocked the 17th green of the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, but were removed from the green without causing a major stir.

Tiger Woods’ tampon prank backfires

What was Tiger Woods thinking? At the Genesis Invitational in February, some people asked themselves exactly this question. It was Woods’ first regular tournament in a long time and the veteran had come up with a special “fun” idea. Together with Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy, he set off on the round and things got explosive on the hole afterwards. Because when Thomas played his drive shorter than Tiger, Woods pressed a tampon into his friend’s hand as he left the tee box and they both burst out laughing. However, the incident did not go down well with everyone, especially on social media. The tampon as a sign that JT hits like a woman was seen by some as a derogatory statement about women and their golfing achievements. Tiger himself came out afterwards and apologized.

The tackle of the year

One of the most unexpected clips of this year took place at the Canadian Open. For the first time since 1954, a Canadian, Nick Taylor, won the tournament on the PGA Tour. Compatriot and fellow golfer Adam Hadwin wanted to celebrate the victory on home soil together with the newly crowned winner, but a security employee interpreted the approaching golfer as a potential danger and pulled him to the ground.

Fortunately, what looked like a lot of excitement ended without injury to Hadwin. He took the tackle with humor in Canadian style and re-enacted the scene with his wife on Halloween.

American Tour pro exposed with attempted fraud

Also in Canada, a player caused a scandal when he tried to stay in the tournament by manipulating his scorecard. At a PGA Tour Canada tournament, Justin Doeden asked for his scorecard after his round, allegedly to check something. When hole 18, a par 5, finally showed a par for Doeden on the leaderboard, his flight partners expressed their doubts to the officials about the accuracy of this score. It was revealed that Doeden had erased the 7 on the scorecard and written in a 5 in order to make the cut. His action would have had far-reaching consequences for many other players, as his alleged score would have shifted the cut line from -2 to -3, costing 13 additional players the cut. Doeden admitted his offense afterwards and called it “the biggest mistake of his life.”

Tee-Gate: Cold reunion of Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed

Rory McIlroy was not only involved in an explosive situation at the Ryder Cup at the end of the golf year, he was also involved in a dispute at the beginning of the year, but this time it was directed at him. At the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at the beginning of the year, there was a reunion between Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed, who had switched to LIV. But when the US American tried to greet the Northern Irishman on the driving range, Rory gave him the cold shoulder. An annoyed Reed then threw a tee in the direction of the four-time major winner. As unspectacular as this action looked in the video, the outrage that followed was all the greater.

The background was a legal dispute between the two professionals. Reed’s lawyer had sent McIlroy a subpoena at Christmas and had a negative impact on the holidays at McIlroy’s home. As a result, “Rors” said of the incident: “If I was in his shoes, I wouldn’t expect a hello or a handshake. I was down by my bag and he came up to me and I was busy with my work and my training and I didn’t really feel the need to say hello to him.”

“If the roles were reversed and I’d thrown the tea at him, I’d expect a lawsuit,” Rory added.

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Record breaking Ryder Cup in Rome

Team Europe celebrating the victory of this year Ryder Cup. (Foto: Getty)

Ryder Cup: New Records in Italy

The 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy set new records across the board, with Europe’s 16½-11½ victory against at United States attracting unprecedented levels of engagement across social media and global broadcasts.

A total of 271,191 people from 100 different countries attended the 44th Ryder Cup in person at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, with millions more following the action from afar on television and digital platforms.

There were 2,653 posts across official Ryder Cup Europe, Ryder Cup USA and joint Ryder Cup social channels during the Ryder Cup week, which led to more than 600million impressions and pageviews. Furthermore, early figures show views of Ryder Cup official social media channels amounted to 197.6million, with a total of 26.7million interactions, contributing to the channels gaining 500,000 new followers.  

On Ryder Cup Europe’s platforms alone, impressions numbered 347,106, 426 – a remarkable 117 per cent increase on the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris which totalled 160million.

Footage from the European Team Bus on the Sunday night particularly resonated with fans, with 14,054,985 views across all channels in the first 48 hours, total impressions of 19,188,189 and engagement amounting to 1,482,709.

Early figures also show notable increases across global broadcasts, with a rise in average viewership on Sky Sports in the UK of 38 per compared to the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits and 25 per cent up on the 2018 edition at Le Golf National, making it the most watched Ryder Cup on Sky Sports on record.

Significant Increases

Guy Kinnings, Executive Director – Ryder Cup, said: “The 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy once again underlined the global appeal and continued growth of one of the world’s leading sporting events.

“This year’s contest, played against the backdrop of the historic city of Rome, truly connected with fans around the world, and our early figures show significant increases in engagement even from the recent record-breaking editions.

“The Ryder Cup is undoubtedly a unique and special event in sport. These extraordinary numbers certainly are testament to that and to the wonderful entertainment the European and US team provided on the course, as well as the unforgettable scenes of Luke Donald and his players celebrating a memorable victory at Marco Simone. Luke was a magnificent captain and those scenes really captured what it means to play for something bigger than yourself, which is something that inspired Luke and his players throughout his Captaincy.”

Written by European Tour Group Communications

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Ryder Cup 2023: Ten goosebump moments on the greens in Rome

Tommy Fleetwood after the decisive point for Team Europe's victory. (Photo: Getty)
Tommy Fleetwood after the decisive point for Team Europe's victory. (Photo: Getty)

Year after year, things happen at the Ryder Cup that wouldn’t happen in ordinary surroundings. The stars set off bombs, save balls and hole putts that would otherwise not fall. The competition always produces magical moments, creating a very special atmosphere. This year was no exception, as the players once again worked their magic on and around the greens. We take a look at the ten most magical moments and most incredible shots.

Ryder Cup 2023: Ten of the biggest goosebump moments

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Dramatic final phase: Team Europe wins the Ryder Cup 2023

Team Europe walks off the pitch victorious in Italy. (Photo: Getty)
Team Europe walks off the pitch victorious in Italy. (Photo: Getty)

Team Europe wins the 2023 Ryder Cup, with captain Luke Donald’s twelve-man squad defeating the team from the United States at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy. The Europeans needed four more points in the final twelve singles matches on Sunday, having already collected 10.5 points on Friday and Saturday. Tommy Fleetwood put on 2 on hole 16 in his match and could not lose to Rickie Fowler. He thus secured the decisive half point for his team. For the USA, it is the seventh defeat in a row on European soil. The often favored team has not won an away match since 1993.

Tommy Fleetwood secures half point to Ryder Cup victory

Team Europe was already at 14 points after the first six singles matches on Sunday, but then had to wait for what felt like an eternity for the decisive half point. Match after match went to the USA, so that it became more and more exciting in the late started matches. Here, the Europeans were more often in the lead, but all duels were extremely close. Fleetwood finally took advantage of a mistake by his opponent Fowler, who sank his tee shot in the water at the 16th, a short par-4. The Englishman holed out for birdie to put him up 2 with two holes to go, securing the half-point needed to win the 2023 Ryder Cup.

“I didn’t want it to be down to any of the players at the end at all” said Fleetwood afterwards. “We have an incredible squad. This year the team has definitely changed, but I couldn’t ask for a better team. We’re a gigantic family.” Luke Donald, who expressed his gratitude and pride to his team, also broke voice and tears came. Most of all, said the European captain, who won the Ryder Cup four times as a player, he is now “looking forward to a drink.”

Europe vs USA
16,5 11,5

Ryder Cup 2023: The results of the singles on Sunday

Jon Rahm vs. Scottie Scheffler

Europe Result USA
Jon Rahm all square Scottie Scheffler

The world’s No. 1 was set up by his captain in the first match to provide momentum for Team USA and secure an early point. Of course, Europe’s captain, Luke Donald, knew this would happen, so he also lined up his most in-form player at position 1. This meant that Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler were the first to go out on the final day of the 2023 Ryder Cup. In a high-class duel, the Spaniard initially held the cards in his hand after Scheffler missed two short putts and had to give up holes. On the back nine, the lead then changed and the world number one went 1 up on the 18th. On the par-5, however, Rahm then played another birdie, Scheffler could not draw level after his approach into the rough and had to give up half a point at the last moment.

Viktor Hovland vs. Collin Morikawa

Europe Result USA
Viktor Hovland 4&3 Europa Collin Morikawa

With the 4&3 victory of Viktor Hovland over Collin Morikawa, the first point of the day at the Ryder Cup 2023 went to Team Europe. The Norwegian dominated the match from the beginning and was already 3 up after six holes. Morikawa could not really counteract at any time and only shortened on two occasions, but never took the lead himself. Hovland thus takes three points from four matches in his second participation in a Ryder Cup. Especially his historic victory alongside Ludvig Aberg will be remembered.

Justin Rose vs. Patrick Cantlay

Europe Result USA
Justin Rose 2&1 USA Patrick Cantlay

Patrick Cantlay cruised to victory for eleven holes against Justin Rose, who had been playing so strongly so far. But then the Englishman finally found his way into the match and put the American, who remained 1 up, under pressure with two hole wins in a row. First Cantlay freed himself a bit on the 14th before Rose hit back directly on the 15th. In the end, however, the European’s deficit could no longer be made up and Cantlay used a strong tee shot on 17 (par-3) to close the bag with 2&1.

Rory McIlroy vs. Sam Burns

Europe Result USA
Rory McIlroy 3&1 Europa Sam Burns

Rory McIlroy had already declared before the Ryder Cup 2023 that he wanted to take responsibility and go ahead. And the Northern Irishman did just that on Sunday. Although his opponent, Sam Burns, won four holes for the USA in the course of the match, the duel was over on 17. McIlroy used a strong tee shot on 17 (par-3) to birdie and set an unassailable 3&1. This means McIlroy has four points from five matches – he was the only European to play in all sessions. This is the most ever for the 34-year-old at a Ryder Cup.

Matt Fitzpatrick vs. Max Homa

Europe Result USA
Matt Fitzpatrick 1auf USA Max Homa

Matt Fitzpatrick had the first opportunity on the 18th to get the last necessary half point for Team Europe and make his team an early Ryder Cup winner. But his opponent Max Homa saved par after he had to declare a ball unplayable on the final hole. Fitzpatrick narrowly missed the opportunity with a putt from just over four meters, so instead of a shared match, a 1-up win for the USA went on the leaderboard.

Tyrrell Hatton vs. Brian Harman

Europe Result USA
Tyrrell Hatton 3&2 Europa Brian Harman

With Tyrrell Hatton’s victory over Open winner Brian Harmann, Team Europe clinched the 14th point. From then on it was a matter of waiting for at least another half point to win the Ryder Cup 2023. The Englishman was already leading after four holes with 3-up and did not come under serious pressure anymore. The American managed to close the gap to 1down, but then Hatton controlled the action and ended the duel with a hole win on the 16th hole.

Ludvig Aberg vs. Brooks Koepka

Europe Result USA
Ludvig Aberg 3&2 USA Brooks Koepka

Brooks Koepka had to make up for his defeat on Saturday morning (9&7) with Scottie Scheffler against Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg. The five-time Major winner then lived up to his role as favorite against the Swede, who only turned professional four months ago, in the singles match. Koepka went 3 up after eight holes and Aberg only won a hole on the 10th for the first time on this Sunday. Not much more came from the 23-year-old, who nevertheless showed a strong debut at the Ryder Cup. Koepka finished the duel of 16, where a split hole was enough for him.

Sepp Straka vs. Justin Thomas

Europe Result USA
Sepp Straka 2auf USA Justin Thomas

Sepp Straka had to deal with the multiple Major winner Justin Thomas on Sunday. The German-speaking Ryder Cup debutant did well. Thomas took an early lead, but the Austrian did not let himself be distracted by it. On the back nine, Straka won two holes, one of them with a spectacular eagle, which he called the highlight of his week after the round. In doing so, he cut Thomas’ lead to ‘1Up’. In the end, however, he succumbed to him and Thomas won the match with ‘2Up’.

Nicolai Hojgaard vs. Xander Schauffele

Europe Result USA
Nicolai Hojgaard 3&2 USA Xander Schauffele

Nicolai Hojgaard started strongly against Xander Schauffele and won two of the first three holes. But then the Olympic champion made a spurt on holes five to seven and turned the match around. However, the Dane hit back immediately and so it was all square on the back nine. Here, however, the American with a German father turned up the heat and, with four birdies on the next seven holes, secured victory over the European Ryder Cup rookie.

Shane Lowry vs. Jordan Spieth

Europe Result USA
Shane Lowry all square Jordan Spieth

Shane Lowry and Jordan Spieth played an exciting match on Sunday of the Ryder Cup. The American major winner and especially the emotional Shane Lowry created a great atmosphere on the course of the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. While Spieth initially had the upper hand for a long time, Lowry caught up on the back nine, forced Spieth to the 18th green and secured Team Europe a half point with the final putt of the tournament.

Tommy Fleetwood vs. Rickie Fowler

Europe Result USA
Tommy Fleetwood 3&1 Europa Rickie Fowler

The match between Tommy Fleetwood and Rickie Fowler decided the victory of the European team. Both players played a match on equal terms. In the end, however, Tommy Fleetwood had his nose in front. Team Europe was already at 14 points for a long time and was waiting for redemption. The crowd favorite Tommy Fleetwood won both holes 16 and 17 and thus redeemed players, captains and fans. He didn’t even have to hole his last ball – Rickie Fowler gave his competitor the last short putt for the European victory.

Robert MacIntyre vs. Wyndham Clark

Europe Result USA
Robert MacIntyre 2&1 Europa Wyndham Clark

The last flight of the day was Robert MacIntyre and Wyndham Clark. At the beginning of their round Robert MacIntyre showed himself clearly superior and brought his score up to ‘3Up’. However, he lost this clear advantage in the course of the round and so it became exciting again in the final flight. Finally, the 27-year-old Scot decided the match with 2&1 for Europe.

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Ryder Cup 2023: Sepp Straka makes it exciting with chip-in eagle

Sepp Straka on sunday. (Photo: Getty)
Sepp Straka on sunday. (Photo: Getty)

Some dream shots have already fallen in this Ryder Cup week. After a Sandy Eagle by Tommy Fleetwood in the singles matches on Sunday, Austrian Sepp Straka also manages a surprising eagle. The German-speaking Ryder Cup rookie presents himself from his best side in his debut in golf’s biggest team competition and fights bravely against Justin Thomas on Sunday. With his chip on the par-4 16th everything is right and he sinks the ball with shot number 2 in the hole. With this stroke win, he shortens his match to just ‘1Up’ for Team USA and gets another chance to turn the tide on the last two holes.

Ryder Cup 2023: Chip-in-Eagle for Sepp Straka

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Ryder Cup 2023: Europe heads into final day with five-point lead

Justin Rose secures the point at the Ryder Cup 2023. (Photo: Getty)
Justin Rose secures the point at the Ryder Cup 2023. (Photo: Getty)

Saturday afternoon in Rome brings a small turnaround in the narrative of the 2023 Ryder Cup so far. The Americans can at least fight their way back into the tournament with three wins in Saturday’s fourballs. Only Ryder Cup veteran Justin Rose secures a point in his match with Robert MacIntyre. Thus, Europe nevertheless goes into the singles matches and the final day in Rome with a comfortable lead.

Europe vs USA
10,5 5,5
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Ryder Cup 2023: The results of the four Fourballs of Saturday

Europe Result USA
Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg  4&3 USA Sam Burns and Collin Morikawa

After the incredible performance in the foursomes with the 9&7 victory over Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka, the Scandinavian duo can’t keep their form in the afternoon in the Fourballs. Hovland and Aberg have to fight for every tied hole from the start after the Americans can already take the lead on hole 1. The only point win on the front nine for Team Europe comes on hole 4.  Team USA goes into the back nine with 4Up and Hovland/Aberg fight to stay in the match. At one point it looked like a comeback with scores on holes 13 and 14, but they would have to win every hole to turn the match around. Then on number 15, the par was enough to “All Square” the hole and win the match for Sam Burns and Collin Morikawa. This means that Hovland has to give up the first point in this Ryder Cup 2023.

Europe Result USA
Nicolai Hojgaard and Tommy Fleetwood 2 & 1 USA Max Homa and Brian Harman

The match Tommy Fleetwood and Nicolai Hojgaard against Max Homa and Brian Harman developed early in favor of the American team. After a few hole losses on the front nine, Team Europe goes into the second half of the round with 4Down. It was not until the back nine that Team Europe was able to catch up and win a few holes. Fleetwood and Hojgaard show strong nerves and fight their way back to the dominating Americans with scores on holes 10 and 14. The first match hole then follows on hole 16, where Harman and Homa could decide the match in their favor. With a strong chip-in, Fleetwood at least temporarily prevents the match loss. At the following hole, however, the Europeans finally have to admit defeat after neither Fleetwood nor Hojgaard could hole the birdie on the par 3. Team USA wins 2&1 and secures the second point of this fourball session.

Europe Result USA
Justin Rose and Robert MacIntyre 3 & 2 Europa Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas

Rose and MacIntyre start with an exchange of blows on the front nine. Two holes go to the Europeans, Spieth and Thomas can secure two points. But on the back nine, the veteran of Team Europe really turns up the heat and relegates the duo from the USA to the spectator ranks. First, Rose gets the important point on the 10th hole for 1-up, then “Bob” MacIntyre can hole out for a birdie and a win on the 13th hole. Rose then takes the third point of the back nine on hole 14. After that, the two only had to maintain their lead to finally end the match on hole 16. Of course, Justin Rose shows his Ryder Cup strength here as well and holes the putt for a 3&2 win in front of the packed grandstands on the 16th hole.

Europe Result USA
Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick 1Up USA Patrick Cantlay and Wyndham Clark

Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick find themselves in probably the most even match of the afternoon. The thriller between the Europeans and Cantlay/Clark allows only one hole win for Europe on the front nine. Team USA can secure two holes on the back nine, the most important of which is certainly hole 17 with a nerve-racking putt from around three meters to bring the match to a split on the 18th hole. Team Europe secured another point on hole 14 to make it all square before the final hole. After two weak drives by the Europeans, Cantlay and Clark have every chance to win the 18th hole. Finally Cantlay holes for birdie and Fitzpatrick has the chance for a tie with the birdie putt on the part of the Europeans, after McIlroy already missed the birdie. The putt falls short and the Americans finish the afternoon with three points out of four.

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Collin Morikawa And Sam Burns Defeat Scandinavian Record Duo

Sam Burns and Collin Morikawa defeat Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg on Saturday afternoon at the 2023 Ryder Cup. (Photo: Getty)
Sam Burns and Collin Morikawa defeat Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg on Saturday afternoon at the 2023 Ryder Cup. (Photo: Getty)

Collin Morikawa and Sam Burns defeated the so far so strong duo Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg, who had celebrated a historic victory with 9&7 in the morning. Now they lost in the afternoon session on Saturday at the Ryder Cup 2023 in Rome. The Americans defeated the Europeans with 4&3 on the 15th hole. The two PGA Tour stars were in the lead from the first hole and did not relinquish it at any point during the match. In the interview, Burns and Morikawa talk about the importance of the point for their team, which is chasing a deficit ahead of the final singles on Sunday.

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Collin Morikawa and Sam Burns interviewed at the 2023 Ryder Cup

Question: Congratulations, your first Ryder Cup point has come on an afternoon when your team really needed. Just how good does it feel to get that?

Sam Burns: Yeah, it feels great. I mean, just an awesome team effort today. I just said earlier, I mean, it’s so fun and playing with a guy like Collin. He’s just — I said every time I play with him, I’m more and more impressed.

Today that just continued. He’s so fun to play with. He’s never out of the hole. Every time I look up his ball is headed right at the flagstick. And that just gives our team more confidence.

So we did a good job out there. We knew it was going to be tough. We knew the crowds were going to be against us. We just kept fighting, and glad to put a point on the board for our team.

Question: Collin, did the fact that you knew you really had to win this session to give yourself at least a chance tomorrow affect how you went about the match sort of tactically, mentally?

Collin Morikawa: No, I mean, our energy was up. We know where we stand, and we know what we’ve done so far and in the past, you know, kind of first sessions, but we were leading. At the start seeing red on that first hole was very important for us. I’m glad we got that started. We kind of kept that momentum going and finally got that point on the board.

Question: No team has ever come from seven points back after three series of matches. What gives you the belief that this team can?

Sam Burns: This team. I mean, these guys are ready. We’re all positive. We know what we’re capable of. We know it’s going to be tough. We know it’s going to be a challenge. But we’re excited for it.

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Rory McIlroy And Tommy Fleetwood: “Just Another Incredible Match”

Rory McIlroy (left) and Tommy Fleetwood are undefeated after three sessions at the 20223 Ryder Cup. (Credit: Getty)
Rory McIlroy (left) and Tommy Fleetwood are undefeated after three sessions at the 20223 Ryder Cup. (Credit: Getty)

Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood remain undefeated in their third match together at the 2023 Ryder Cup. Together they have now collected three points for Team Europe. Naturally, they were happy after the narrow victory against the American dream pairing of Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, as they report in the interview.
In the afternoon session on Saturday at the Ryder up in Rome, however, they will have to manage without each other. Fleetwood will start in the bestballs with Rasmus Hojgaard, McIlroy will play with Matt Fitzpatrick.
Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood remain undefeated in their third match together at the Ryder Cup. Together they have now collected three points for Team Europe. Naturally, they were happy after the narrow victory against the American dream pairing of Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, as they report in the interview.
In the afternoon session on Saturday at the Ryder up in Rome, however, they will have to manage without each other. Fleetwood will start in the bestballs with Rasmus Hojgaard, McIlroy will play with Matt Fitzpatrick.

Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood at the 2023 Ryder Cup

Rory McIlroy: I think they get more special as you go on because you realize you don’t have that many left. Hopefully I have a few Ryder Cups left in me. It’s been an absolute pleasure to share the golf course with this man beside me over the last couple of days.

Yeah, last night we talked about enjoying what we did yesterday but coming out and showing no mercy today. Obviously the way Ludvig and Viktor started off and the way we started off, you know, that set the tone for the day again.

Yeah, just another incredible match. We played great there. We held some good putts when we needed to and delighted to get another point on the board for Europe.

Question: They are already talking about this pairing possibly being one for years to come, two eagles back-to-back, 5-under par wedge in foursomes. You’ve be playing with him for a while?

Tommy Fleetwood: If he’ll have me. Like I said yesterday, there’s so many people on this planet that dream of playing with Rory and I’m the one who has had the opportunity to do it for the last two mornings. Just happy to be along for the ride and play some good golf. Yeah, we did very, very well. We were pretty — there was a couple of hiccups here and there but we held the putts when we needed to and thankfully Rory bailed me out on the last one.

Question: Mollywood 4-0, Fleetwood Mac 3-0 —

Rory McIlroy: There is a common denominator there.

Question: How good a partner is he to play with?

Rory McIlroy: He’s great because he makes you feel so at ease and you know that you can play loose. You can’t play tight. You don’t feel like you need to be perfect because you know you’ve got a partner beside you that’s going to bail you out if you need to and is going to hit the right shots at the right times.

I think in foursomes, someone that strikes the ball like this man, you feel really comfortable playing alongside none like that. As I said it’s been a great couple of days.

Question: A second straight day, 2&1 foursomes victory. A wonderful start for both of you. How much momentum does this team have right now?

Rory McIlroy: Yesterday was an amazing day and we wanted to enjoy it because it’s not very often you go out on a full day in a Ryder Cup and don’t lose a full point. We enjoyed last night but at the same time we knew the Americans were going to be hurting a bit and they obviously want to get off to a fast start this morning, and our objective is to just not let them do that.

We went out first and we got blue on the board early, the boys behind got blue on the board early and that set the tone for the day. Another great start, what we have been talking about all week and we just need to keep it going.

Question: Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas are historically a very strong team for the Americans. Do you sense they are a little bit out of sorts this week?

Tommy Fleetwood: Well, me and Rory are a good team as well. Very happy to play whoever it was we were put alongside. We were just very focused on what we were doing. We played very well yesterday. Wanted to come out of the blocks fast, and we did. Just continue to focus on what we were doing, and yeah, I actually thought it was a great match, especially on the back nine. I thought things really got going on the back nine with some eagles and birdies.
(Transcript by asapsports)