Published: September-28-2025, 07:30 EDT

Team Europe closed Saturday at Bethpage Black with a commanding lead in the Ryder Cup, setting a record margin under the modern format and leaving the United States facing near-impossible odds. The Europeans, led by captain Luke Donald, excelled in both foursomes and fourballs despite a hostile crowd, positioning themselves to reclaim golf’s most prestigious team trophy.

Europe Surges With Historic Performance

By the end of play on Saturday, Europe held an 11½–4½ advantage, the largest lead entering Sunday singles since the current format was adopted in 1979. To secure victory, Europe needs only three points from the 12 singles matches.

“I didn’t imagine this,” said European captain Luke Donald. “Every time the Americans came at us, we came back. The resiliency and confidence they have is really, truly incredible.”

The Americans, captained by Keegan Bradley, struggled to generate momentum. Bradley acknowledged the strength of his opponents, saying, “I’m seeing what looks like historical putting. They’re making everything. They’re a tough team to beat.”

McIlroy Leads the Way Amid Hostile Atmosphere

The New York crowd, known for its intensity, gave Europe little respite. Rory McIlroy bore much of the verbal abuse, even telling one heckler to “shut up” before sinking a decisive birdie putt. Despite the taunts, McIlroy thrived, winning all four of his matches so far and positioning himself to become the first European to go 5–0 on American soil.

The atmosphere became heated enough that the PGA of America and New York State Police added security measures, ejecting two fans and posting messages reminding spectators about etiquette and responsible alcohol use. Boos rang out as those reminders appeared on large screens.

U.S. Team Falters in Key Moments

The Americans found themselves trailing for much of the afternoon. In the fourballs session, they led in only three of the 70 holes played. Scottie Scheffler, ranked world No. 1, endured a particularly difficult week, becoming the first player under the modern format to post an 0–4 record.

One telling moment came on the 10th hole of fourballs. Tommy Fleetwood struck a wedge to within two feet, only for Scheffler to see his approach shot hit the pin and ricochet into the rough. The contrast summed up the Americans’ frustrations and Europe’s consistency.

U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun and teammate Xander Schauffele delivered one of only two American points of the day with late birdies at the 17th and 18th holes. The other U.S. point came from Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Young in the morning foursomes.

Crowd Dynamics Add to Drama

While the home fans cheered the Americans, they frequently jeered Europe, booing shots and shouting between swings. McIlroy addressed the situation afterward, saying: “In between shots, say whatever you want to me. That’s fine. Just give us the respect to hit our shots, the same chance the Americans have.”

Despite the crowd noise, Europe seemed to thrive under pressure. The chants of “Ole, Ole, Ole” echoed late into the day as European victories piled up, with American supporters left subdued.

Key Matches Highlight Europe’s Edge

The final match of the day symbolized Europe’s dominance. Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns had a chance to narrow the gap, but Europe’s Matt Fitzpatrick and Tyrrell Hatton delivered clutch shots from a bunker and fairway wedge to secure another point.

Meanwhile, tensions briefly flared in the match between Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose against Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau. Rose confronted DeChambeau’s caddie for standing too close during a crucial putt. “I made my feelings known—maybe not as politely as I could have—but it’s intense out there,” Rose explained. Both players holed long putts, and tempers cooled with handshakes afterward.

Statistical and Historical Context

Europe’s 11½–4½ lead surpasses the previous record of 11–5 after four sessions. No team in Ryder Cup history has overcome more than a four-point deficit on the final day. The Americans would need to produce the greatest comeback in the event’s history to retain the trophy.

Bradley, searching for hope, pointed to an example outside of golf: the New England Patriots’ improbable comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in the 2017 Super Bowl. “Twenty-eight to three. I was there. What a cool thing to witness,” he said.

Yet golf history offers fewer opportunities for such dramatic reversals. With Europe needing just three points, Sunday singles will likely determine only the margin of victory.

Europe’s Confidence and Closing Push

As the competition heads into its final day, Europe’s confidence is evident. Veteran players like McIlroy, Rose, and Fleetwood, combined with steady performances from younger talents, have created a formidable balance.

If McIlroy secures a fifth win, he would not only achieve personal history but also symbolize Europe’s dominance in this edition of the Ryder Cup. For the U.S. team, the challenge is steep: regroup, inspire belief, and attempt to turn the tide against a near-unstoppable opponent.

Source: AP News – Europe takes a record lead into Ryder Cup’s Sunday singles

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Augusta, GA – After years of heartbreak, close calls, and mounting pressure, Rory McIlroy has finally done it.

The 35-year-old from Northern Ireland captured his first green jacket on Sunday at the 89th Masters Tournament, outlasting Justin Rose in a dramatic sudden-death playoff. With the win, McIlroy becomes just the sixth golfer in history to complete the career Grand Slam — joining legends Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.

And it was anything but easy.

McIlroy’s final round at Augusta National was a nerve-wracking, emotional gauntlet — one that mirrored the many near-misses that defined his quest for the Grand Slam. He posted a 1-over 73 to finish at 11 under, but it took a playoff hole to finally seal the deal.

“I started to wonder if it would ever be my time,” McIlroy admitted. “This is my 17th time here, and for the last 10 years, I carried that burden. I guess now we’ll need something new to talk about next April.”

On the playoff’s first hole — Augusta’s famous 18th — both McIlroy and Rose found the fairway. Rose’s approach nearly found the hole, settling 15 feet past. But McIlroy’s second shot was even better: it nestled just 4 feet from the cup, drawing chants from the Augusta crowd.

Rose’s birdie putt slid right, and with one golden chance, McIlroy buried his. He threw his putter into the air, dropped to his knees in tears, and embraced his caddie, Harry Diamond. Moments later, he hugged his wife, Erica, and daughter, Poppy, as thousands cheered.

“What a roller coaster,” he told his putting coach, Brad Faxon, en route to the trophy presentation. “A moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it.”

McIlroy’s journey to the Grand Slam was 14 years in the making. He first had a shot at the Masters in 2011, when he infamously lost a four-stroke lead in the final round. Eleven attempts later, he finally conquered Augusta.

But Sunday looked like another collapse in the making.

McIlroy came into the final round with a two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau. After a disastrous double-bogey on the first hole, his cushion was gone. Still, he battled back to reach 13 under by the 10th hole, maintaining a four-stroke lead.

Then came Amen Corner.

• On the par-4 11th, his approach nearly found water, leading to a bogey.
• At the par-5 13th, a poor wedge shot landed in Rae’s Creek. The result: a crushing double-bogey.
• On 14, a tee shot into the trees led to another bogey.

Suddenly, McIlroy was tied with Rose and Ludvig Åberg at 10 under.

But McIlroy dug deep. On the 17th hole, with Rose already in the clubhouse at 11 under, McIlroy delivered a clutch birdie — a perfect approach to within two feet — to retake the lead at 12 under.

The drama wasn’t done.

At the 18th, needing just a par to win outright, McIlroy’s approach flared right into a bunker. He recovered well, but missed a 5-foot par putt that would have sealed it — forcing the playoff with Rose.

McIlroy’s triumph ends a major drought that stretched back more than a decade. His previous major wins came at the 2011 U.S. Open, the 2012 and 2014 PGA Championships, and the 2014 Open Championship.

“Today was about more than golf,” McIlroy said. “My family, my team — they’ve been on this journey with me every step. They’ve seen me try and try again. I owe this to them.”

• Justin Rose shot an incredible 6-under 66, including a clutch 20-foot birdie on the 72nd hole to force the playoff. “It’s the kind of putt you dream about as a kid,” Rose said. “Sudden death is cruel, but I gave it everything.”
• Patrick Reed, 2018 Masters champ, finished third at 9 under after a 69.
• Scottie Scheffler, World No. 1, came in fourth at 8 under with a final-round 69.
• Bryson DeChambeau and Sungjae Im tied for fifth at 7 under.

Despite carding four double-bogeys across the tournament — a Masters first for a champion — McIlroy’s grit and resilience carried him over the finish line.

Rory McIlroy is finally a Masters champion.
And now, officially, one of golf’s all-time greats.

Source: ESPN – Rory McIlroy wins Masters in playoff to earn career Grand Slam

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Bryson DeChambeau is no stranger to chasing down Rory McIlroy on golf’s biggest stages — and on Sunday at the Masters, he’ll get another shot.

DeChambeau heads into the final round just two strokes behind McIlroy, setting up a dramatic finish at Augusta National. The two will tee off together in the final pairing after an electric Saturday that saw both stars flash brilliance down the stretch.

The reigning U.S. Open champion capped his third round with a massive highlight — draining a nearly 50-foot birdie putt from just off the 18th green to post a 3-under 69. That clutch finish not only drew roars from the gallery, but also secured DeChambeau a coveted spot alongside McIlroy for the final round.

“Those last few holes, I just kept telling myself, ‘Get in that final group. Just execute,’” said DeChambeau, who’s now carded three straight rounds in the 60s. “I made a beautiful putt to finish it off — that was cool.”

This isn’t the first time DeChambeau has been in this spot. At last year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, he found himself chasing McIlroy late in the final round. Back then, he held his nerve as McIlroy faltered, missing two short putts and bogeying three of the final four holes. DeChambeau’s memorable up-and-down from the bunker at 18 clinched the title by a single shot.

Now, they’re back at it.

Their paths briefly crossed during Saturday’s third round. DeChambeau made birdie at the par-5 15th with a slick up-and-down from behind the green, just as McIlroy was striking a beautiful tee shot into the par-3 16th. McIlroy would miss the birdie putt, settling for par.

While it wasn’t a full-on showdown yet, the moment offered a glimpse of what Sunday might bring.

“It’s always important in a major to be in the final group,” DeChambeau said. “But knowing it’s Rory? That just makes it more fun. We’re going to have a great battle tomorrow.”

McIlroy, 35, is chasing his long-awaited career Grand Slam — and after a blistering start Saturday, he looked every bit the part. He went 5-under through the first five holes, surged into the lead, and then regrouped after a couple of stumbles to eagle the 15th and close with a round of 66.

The crowd let him hear it with a standing ovation as he walked off 18. McIlroy is sitting at 12 under, two shots clear of DeChambeau.

DeChambeau’s path to contention hasn’t been flawless — but it’s been gritty. He birdied two of his first three holes Saturday, then gave one back with a bogey on No. 4. He bounced back with a birdie at No. 6 but found more trouble in the bunkers at No. 9. Still, he kept grinding.

That persistence is classic DeChambeau — the data-driven player known as “The Scientist” who never stops tinkering. After his opening-round 69, unhappy with his ball-striking, he stayed on the range under the floodlights long after the course emptied. The extra reps paid off with a 68 on Friday and another under-par round Saturday.

“I love the challenge of chasing,” he said. “You can’t let up. You have to hit every shot with full focus. Leading feels different — I’ve done that too — but tomorrow, it’s going to be about going for it.”

One year ago, DeChambeau also found himself in the mix at Augusta, but a Saturday 75 knocked him out of contention. He eventually tied for sixth.

This year, he’s right where he wants to be — in the final group, two shots back, and chasing a rival he’s already proven he can beat.

All eyes are now on Augusta’s fairways. With McIlroy gunning for history and DeChambeau playing with purpose, Sunday’s finale promises to be one for the ages.

Source: AP News – Bryson DeChambeau is trying to chase down Rory McIlroy again in a major. He has 18 holes to do it

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With great putting comes great responsibility—Camilo “Spider-Man” Villegas is back to his best at The Players Championship.

Villegas Rolls Back the Years

Colombia’s Camilo Villegas, known for his unique green-reading style resembling the web-slinging superhero, surged into a surprise early lead at the 51st edition of the PGA Tour’s flagship event in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, on Thursday.

The 43-year-old defied his world No. 254 ranking to shoot a stunning six-under 66 at TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course. He now shares the top spot with American duo Lucas Glover and J.J. Spaun after the first round.

Nineteen years ago, Villegas’ tied-third finish at this tournament—then a record for a PGA Tour rookie—established him as a rising star. Reflecting on his return, he acknowledged the changes in both the course and himself.

“The golf course has changed, I’ve changed, and I guess I have a lot more experience,” Villegas said. “I’ve gone through good and bad moments. Back in 2006, I was just a young kid coming out of college with nothing to lose.”

A Journey of Triumphs and Tragedy

Villegas enjoyed four PGA Tour wins, including the BMW Championship and Tour Championship in 2008, peaking at world No. 7. However, injuries and a dip in form led to a barren stretch, making him consider retiring in 2020.

That same year, he suffered a devastating personal loss when his 22-month-old daughter, Mia, passed away from brain and spine tumors. Fueled by her memory, he persevered, eventually winning the Bermuda Championship in November 2023—his first PGA Tour title in nine years.

Though he had struggled to break into the top 30 in 2024, his recent form showed promise. A tied-seventh finish at The American Express in January hinted at a resurgence, which he confirmed in Ponte Vedra Beach with an explosive start, including three consecutive birdies.

His highlight shots included a remarkable 28-foot putt at the par-three 3rd hole and an even more spectacular 35-foot chip-in from off the green at the 6th.

“It’s a tricky golf course. You’ve got to keep it in play,” Villegas said. “Aggressive and reckless can bring big numbers quickly—you’ve got to avoid those.”

Glover and Spaun Keep Pace

Lucas Glover, the 2009 U.S. Open champion, continued his resurgence after battling the yips, firing four late birdies to match Villegas at the top. The 45-year-old, ranked 44th in the world, is seeking his seventh PGA Tour win and his first since two back-to-back triumphs in August 2023.

“Just don’t want to be done at 45, honestly,” Glover said. “I believe I can still compete out here, and I don’t want to stop anytime soon.”

Meanwhile, world No. 57 J.J. Spaun carded an impressive bogey-free round to join the leaders.

“Bogey-free anywhere is really nice—a good way to start the week,” Spaun, 34, said. “I kept the ball in front of me, limited mistakes, and made some good putts—it was just a solid day.”

Villegas begins his second round at 8:35 a.m. ET (12:35 p.m. GMT) on Friday, with Spaun and Glover teeing off at 8:02 a.m. ET (12:02 p.m. GMT) and 1:40 p.m. ET (5:40 p.m. GMT), respectively.

Scheffler and McIlroy in Contention

Two-time Players champion Rory McIlroy finished at five-under, just one shot behind the leaders. His playing partner, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, sits two shots back after posting a three-under round.

Scheffler is aiming for a historic third consecutive Players Championship win. His only bogey of the day at the 10th hole ended a streak of 40 straight bogey-free holes at TPC Sawgrass, but he remains within striking distance.

“Last year doesn’t truly matter when it comes to this tournament—this is a new four rounds,” Scheffler said. “I feel like I could have posted a better number, but overall, I’m pleased. I’ll try to go lower tomorrow.”

Max McGreevy, currently tied with McIlroy, still has two holes left in his first round due to play suspension caused by darkness. He will complete them Friday morning.

Scheffler, McIlroy, and world No. 3 Xander Schauffele—who shot an even-par 72—begin their second rounds at 8:24 a.m. ET (12:24 p.m. GMT).

Source

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