English golfer Tommy Fleetwood says he is ‘so proud’ to secure the winning point at the Ryder Cup as Team Europe beat Team USA 16.5-11.5 in Rome.
The Europeans were crushed at Whistling Straits in 2021 but produced an impressive victory this time around – with a historic lead after day one – as the Americans’ 30-year wait to lift the Ryder Cup on this side of the Atlantic goes on.
Team USA fought hard on the final day but Fleetwood got the job done after winning his match against Rickie Fowler 3&1 on Sunday and the Englishman was delighted to write his name into the history books.
‘I really didn’t want it to come down to one of us at the back,’ Fleetwood said after securing Ryder Cup victory for Team Europe.
‘I can’t wait to see the rest of the guys, I can’t wait to see the captain, our wives and the rest of our families.
‘I’m just so happy to play a part in it and so proud to be part of this team. We’ve done what we came here to do.
‘I couldn’t wish for a better bunch of people to do this with. It has been so amazing. It’s the coolest experience. Relief. Pride. Joy.’
Team Europe captain Luke Donald added: ‘This is why the Ryder Cup is so special to me and the guys. We play for each other, we will share those memories forever.
‘I gave them a good culture and prepared but then it was staying out of the way. They had to do it and play well. They did.
‘These guys will be around for a long time and we will put up a great fight in two years’ time. The crowd was incredible. I couldn’t ask for a better setting in Rome.
‘I am pretty emotional. It has been a long process and an amazing journey. I have enjoyed this one.
‘It has been stressful. USA put up a fight today, they really did, so hats off to them. But I am so proud of my 12 guys. They formed a bond from day one. They gave me everything. They trusted me and they delivered.’
Team Europe’s Shane Lowry said: ‘I said to Luke [Donald] on the back of the 18th green there before I hit my putt, I thanked him for putting his trust in me.
‘This is a dream come true for me. This is something I’ve always wanted to achieve in this game.
‘The last two hours were the most stressful of my life. I could see it wasn’t going well for us.
‘I’m so proud of my team. There’s 12 players but there’s also 12 caddies, there’s vice-captains and the backroom staff. It’s been the greatest week of my life!’
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Team USA captain Zach Johnson, meanwhile, reflecting on defeat, added: ‘It’s still pretty fresh, pretty raw. If I have any reflection right now it’s that you take your hat off, tip your cap – whatever the cliche is – to Team Europe and Luke [Donald].
‘They played great and they earned it. Very impressive. We got outplayed, but we showed grit, we showed heart and then it got interesting there. We had some momentum coming into the day and even some during the day. I’m proud of my guys – they’ve got so much heart and grit.
‘It’s not them. It’s on me. I maybe made some poor decisions… I’ll reflect at some point. But it’s not about those 12 guys. I’m grateful for each and every one of them.’
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