Ryder Cup Highlight
Dates: Sunday, Dec 24 (19:00 GMT), Monday, Dec 25 (06:00), on BBC Radio 5 Live
In an engaging discussion with Iain Carter, Luke Donald and other key figures revisit Europe’s remarkable comeback to clinch the Ryder Cup in Rome, overcoming the United States.
Fueled by Rory McIlroy’s fiery confrontation with American players during the tournament’s second day, Europe rallied, channeling the enduring legacy of Spanish golf legend Seve Ballesteros.
Luke Donald, the European captain, shared how he harnessed this ‘Seve spirit’ and former Open winner Shane Lowry disclosed the details of a heated dispute that erupted on the tournament’s penultimate day, as featured in the BBC Sounds podcast, “All About Luke Donald and the Ryder Cup.”
Donald, who paid homage to Ballesteros by reserving a locker for him, also drew motivation from McIlroy’s clash. He stated on the program that they used the conflict as a catalyst, leading to a dominant performance by the home team.
In a dramatic turn of events, Europe, bouncing back from their previous defeat at Whistling Straits, secured the trophy with a 16½-11½ victory.
This triumph was a standout moment in the 2023 golf season, following closely on the heels of Suzann Pettersen’s European team retaining the Solheim Cup in Spain.
Tune in: 5 Live Sport for insights on The Luke Donald and Ryder Cup story
Also listen to: The Suzann Pettersen and Solheim Cup story on 5 Live Sport
The Ryder Cup reached a boiling point when McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick were narrowly defeated by Patrick Cantlay and Wyndham Clark. Joe LaCava, Cantlay’s caddie, taunted McIlroy, leading to heightened tensions. McIlroy expressed his fury to BBC Radio 5Live, calling the behavior “disgraceful.”
Lowry, witnessing these scenes, described the heated exchange involving McIlroy and Jim “Bones” Mackay, Justin Thomas’s caddie, outside the clubhouse. Earlier, LaCava had provocatively gestured towards McIlroy, escalating the conflict.
Lowry admitted that the heat of the moment may have led to regrettable actions. This intense atmosphere, he noted, is typical of the Ryder Cup’s high stakes.
Donald, speaking later in the team room, encouraged McIlroy’s fiery passion, seeing it as a driving force for the team. Lowry was confident that McIlroy would not falter in his final day singles match against Sam Burns.
Europe’s performance was further highlighted by Jon Rahm’s spectacular eagles during the Friday fourballs, demonstrating the team’s cohesive spirit. Nicolai Hojgaard, a rookie, played a significant role alongside Rahm, encouraging him to channel his inner ‘Seve’ during a crucial putt.
This moment, along with Rahm’s partnership with Ho
