Europeans win the Ryder Cup, reassert dominance over U.S.

Americans’ stirring comeback falls short as Lowry’s putt helps secure bragging rights.

- By DOUG FERGUSON

Team Europe is taking the Ryder Cup back across the Atlantic Ocean, leaving the Americans to search for answers in what is becoming a lopsided series.

Shane Lowry added his name to Irish lore in the Ryder Cup with a six-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole Sunday that assured Europe of retaining the cup. Tyrrell Hatton halved his match to make Europe an outright winner for the Ith time in the last 15 matches.

Luke Donald became the first European captain to win back to back in the Ryder Cup since Tony Jacklin in 1985 and 1987. He had Ul of the same 12 players who won big in Rome two years ago.

Even more impressive was doing it on U.S. soil —at Bethpage Black, no less — with hostile fans who were loud and vulgar and relentless.

The final score tally — Europe 15, United States 13 —was the only real surprise.

The Americans at least showed a pulse and made their opponents sweat more than anyone imagined, storming back fromthe largest Sunday deficit ever against Europe.

There was a moment where a comeback actually looked possible.