Ryder Cup 2023: Europe Crushes USA 16.5‑11.5 at Marco Simone

Match‑by‑Match Breakdown

The 44th Ryder Cup 2023 unfolded at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, a venue that quickly turned into a fortress for the European side. Friday’s opening session rewrote the record books: Europe posted the first ever 4‑0 whitewash in the history of the event’s foursomes. Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton tore through Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns with a 4&3 win, while Viktor Hovland paired with newcomer Ludvig Åberg dispatched Max Homa and Brian Harman by the same margin. Shane Lowry and debutant Sepp Straka added a 2&1 victory over Rickie Fowler and Collin Morikawa, and Rory McIlroy teamed with Tommy Fleetwood to beat Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, also 2&1. Europe closed day one with a 6.5‑1.5 lead.

The afternoon four‑ball matches gave the United States a brief flicker of hope, but Europe’s depth kept the pressure on. With each European duo posting at least a half‑point, the scoreboard read 8‑3 after Friday’s play. Saturday saw more balanced scoring – both teams claimed wins, yet Europe maintained a comfortable cushion, entering Sunday with an 11‑9 lead.

Sunday’s singles were a roller‑coaster. The U.S. rallied, claiming six points to match Europe’s six, but the damage was already done. The pivotal moment arrived on the par‑4 16th: Tommy Fleetwood drove the green while Rickie Fowler’s tee shot splashed into the water, sealing the Cup for Europe. With that win, Europe reached the crucial 14.5‑point threshold, leaving the remaining matches as mere formalities.

• Europe’s total points: 16.5
• United States total points: 11.5
• Key European wins: Rahm/Hatton, Hovland/Åberg, Lowry/Straka, McIlroy/Fleetwood
• U.S. highlights: Cantlay’s steady play, Scheffler’s half‑point with Rahm

Key Moments and Player Performances

Veterans anchored the European effort. Rahm’s steady play throughout the three days earned him a crucial half‑point in the singles, while McIlroy’s experience shone in the early foursomes. Fleetwood, the eventual hero, displayed composure under pressure, turning a risky tee shot into a decisive birdie on the 16th.

Newcomers proved they belong on the biggest stage. Åberg, only 23, partnered with Hovland to dominate the opening match, and his poise earned him praise from teammates. Straka, representing the United States but playing for Europe in the foursomes, showed a calm that belied his rookie status, keeping the momentum alive.The Italian crowd added a dramatic backdrop. Fans filled the hillside galleries, their chants echoing across the fairways. The atmosphere was electric, especially during the late‑day singles, where every putt felt like a concert finale.

For the United States, despite the loss, there were silver linings. Patrick Cantlay’s measured response to the hostile environment highlighted his mental toughness: "That's exactly how this tournament should be... turn the energy into focus." Scheffler’s duel with Rahm resulted in a hard‑fought half‑point that showcased the competitive spirit that still burns bright in the American camp.

Overall, the 2023 edition reinforced Europe’s dominance on home soil, echoing the successes of 2018 and 2021. The blend of seasoned leaders and hungry newcomers created a recipe that proved too potent for the challengers. As the teams pack up and the crowds disperse, the memory of that 16‑hole drama and the roar of the Italian fans will linger well beyond the final scoreboard.