Europe claims Ryder Cup after an epic tournament comeback

Ryder Cup 2012; Europe beat USA to the top spot with an excellent performance on the third day of competition...

18:47 01 October 2012

Europe have pulled off the biggest comeback the Ryder Cup competition has seen in its 85 years, as they took the trophy on Sunday having started the day behind USA by 10-6. The history books are now to be re-written with Europe’s victory overshadowing the US’s brilliant comeback in 1999.

 

Europe battled their way to the top at the Medinah Country Club in Chicago, with much accreditation being owed to Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, Luke Donald, Paul Lawrie and Rory McIlroy who all won their singles matches.

 

Europe came up trumps when the star Tiger Woods missed a shot on the final hole against Edoardo Molinari, leaving Europe with a win of 8 out of 12 single matches, and a total of 14.5 – needing only 14 to take the cup – against USA’s finish of 13.5. 

 

Another luck-of-the-draw aspect that may have helped Europe secure their win could relate to Mcllroy’s police escort, as he was reportedly taken to the course by a Chicago office after almost missing his tee-off time.

 

He told the BBC: “Luckily there was a State Trooper outside who gave me the escort. If not, I would not have made it on time.”

 

The competition unfolded in Illinois for the 39th Ryder Cup, where on Saturday Poulter put out a great performance for Europe. As reported by The Telegraph, it was competitor Webb Simpson’s concession that put Poulter in a good position, as he was able to become the first player in over three decades to win four out of four in the competition.