Ryder Cup 2021: USA seal record 19-9 win over Europe at Whistling Straits
After dominating the first two days’ play at Whistling Straits, Steve Stricker’s team needed just three-and-a-half points from the 12 singles matches to regain the famous trophy.
And despite an emotional Rory McIlroy going out well for Europe to win the opening match against Olympic champion Xander Schauffele, there were never any signs of a famous comeback for the visitors that would have exceeded their ‘Miracle at Medinah’ exploits from 2012.
Victory looked a formality all day and was secured when Collin Morikawa drew with Viktor Hovland on the 18th green to take the scores to 14 1/2 to 6 1/2.
McIlroy’s fellow stalwart Ian Poulter kept his unbeaten record in singles alive with a gutsy win over Tony Finau, but Daniel Berger’s win on the 18th in the final match meant a record defeat for Europe. No team had reached 19 points since the contest became between the USA and Europe.
Dustin Johnson’s win over Paul Casey meant he became just the third player to pick up five points out of a possible five in a Ryder Cup.
“It is a tough loss for us but they just played better than us,” Europe captain Padraig Harrington told Sky Sports.
“They (his team) did everything I could ask of them, it was just a tough week on the golf course.
“Obviously better things happening on the course might have changed things but it was always going to be a tall order as this is a strong US team and they got a good start too. A lot of things went against us.
“The one thing I can walk away with is I am very comfortable with all the decisions all along.
“It’s a small consolation but it is a consolation.”
