Europe wins it for Seve

Europe came from behind to record a record breaking victory in the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club. Late on day two, Europe trailed 10-4 and only pulled it back to 10-6 overnight thanks to some heroics from Ian Poulter. Nonetheless, it was still an uphill struggle, but Europe chipped away at the American lead throughout, before Martin Kaymer holed a clutch put on the 18^th green to confirm victory. The final score was 14.5-13.5, meaning Europe not only retained the Cup, but won it outright.

The final day singles went back and forth on a crazy afternoon. Every time Europe got a run together, the Americans would hit back. But the tone was set by Europe’s lead-out players, with the top 5 matches all ending in European victories. Luke Donald led by example, and was 4 up with 4 to play. A minor wobble was overcome, and he beat Bubba Watson 2&1. Rory McIlroy won by the same margin over Keegan Bradley, despite having overslept and having no practise time. The Northern Irishman never trailed at any point in his match. But the star was Paul Lawrie who, without fuss, annihilated the in-form Brandt Snedeker 5&3. Snedeker was level par in his round, but Lawrie collected four birdies and an eagle in a mistake-free round.

But the crucial wins were three come from behind wins. Ian Poulter got off to a sluggish start despite his perfect record so far over the weekend. His opponent, Webb Simpson, took a two hole lead early on but Poulter kept himself in contention. He roared back to level before the turn, and after 16 the game remained all square. But Poulter has established himself as a Ryder Cup legend with some inspirational performances in days 1 and 2, and he confirmed that status by winning the last two holes. Even more remarkable, however, were the victories of Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia over the two most experienced golfers in the Ryder Cup this year, Phil Mickleson and Jim Furyk. In both these matchups, Europe trailed by 1 with two to play. But, like Poulter, both Rose and Garcia won 17 and 18 to take wins. Had Mickleson and Furyk won one of those last two holes, the USA would have won the cup. Golf is a game of fine margins, and this Ryder Cup has gone to confirm it.

Europe had experience of the final day comeback. But never had a European team made such a turnaround. At Brookline in 1999, one of the most controversial Ryder Cups, Europe led 10-6 and lost. Two years ago at Celtic Manor, Graeme McDowell’s heroics saved the cup for Europe after an American final day charge. But this year it was Europe’s turn to break hearts. Perhaps the most remarkable fact was that Europe did it on American soil. The crowd had buoyed the US team on days 1 and 2, but early on they were immediately quietened as Europe took the upper hand. A tremendous effort was still required, but the crowd were no longer the exuberant being that had helped American to a four point overnight lead. The crowd’s spirits having been initially dampened, the Europeans fed off the unease.

But Europe still had to overcome mid-order resistance from the US. Dustin Johnson, Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner all recorded wins, each leading for the majority of their match and seeing off any resistance from their European opponents. Europe levelled for the first time at 10-10, and from then onwards neither team pulled ahead by more than a single point. Lee Westwood, who quietly went about his business, won three holes out of four to win 3&2 over Matt Kuchar, and the score was 13-13. Europe needed one win, or two halves, to collect the Ryder Cup again. Martin Kaymer’s match against Steve Stricker had gone back and forth, neither player having led by more than one hole. But as Stricker could only bogey the par 3 17^th, Kaymer holed his par putt for a one hole lead, guaranteed at least a half point. Francesco Molinari had led by two holes early on, but Tiger Woods had come back at him and their match was also in the balance. Molinari failed to get up and down on 17 which allowed Tiger to take a lead. Kaymer found a fairway bunker on 18, but hit the green with his second. He and Stricker had similar length puts for par, but the American was to go first and duly holed. Kaymer had struggled at times both today and in the first two days of the competition. But when it mattered he came up with the goods. By making par, Kaymer ensured that Europe had at least retained the cup. Jubilant celebrations were only ended by the approach shots of Woods and Molinari, and a short putt for Woods lipped out to ensure an overall European victory.

And so Europe had completed an incredible win. Within an hour of the culmination of the day’s play, a European victory still looked unlikely. But José María Olazábal’s team came through to win. After Kaymer’s winning put, Olazábal dedicated the win to his great friend and mentor, Seve Ballesteros. Seve was a legend of the Ryder Cup, and it was a tribute to his memory that both teams fought so hard to win. The Ryder Cup is only an exhibition, but any doubts that it was not important to the golfers who partake in it was well and truly extinguished on Sunday. Europe’s win was one of which Seve would be proud. In such a close contest, the name of Seve was not only on the European players’ sleeves, but in their hearts. And it made the difference as Europe won the Ryder Cup by the tightest of margins. Bring on 2014 at Gleneagles. 726 days and counting.