+++ Europeans defeat the USA 16.5:11.5 +++ Fleetwood clinches victory +++ Worldwide Partner BMW provides all-electric shuttle fleet +++
Rome/Munich. The European Ryder Cup team achieved another home victory at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, Italy. This win extends their unbeaten streak on European soil since 1997. Captain Luke Donald’s team took a lead of 10.5:5.5 after the first two days, but the singles on Sunday proved to be a nail-biting affair. Tommy Fleetwood secured the win for the Europeans with a 3&1 victory against Rickie Fowler. Despite their strong performance in the singles, the defending champions from the USA were unable to stage a comeback and achieve the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup history.
“The 44th Ryder Cup in Rome once again brought an electrifying energy, fantastic golf, and enthusiastic fans. These factors make this competition truly unique,” said Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Human Resources and Real Estate. “Congratulations to Team Europe on their great victory, and also to the USA team. All 24 players set aside their individual interests and came together as a team to work towards a common goal, showcasing their diverse qualities. This is one of the reasons why BMW is a Worldwide Partner of the Ryder Cup, in addition to our shared passion for golf.”
The Europeans got off to an impressive start in the 44th Ryder Cup by winning all the foursomes on Friday morning. This marked the first time in Ryder Cup history that a European team achieved such a strong start. From that point onwards, the home team maintained their lead, although the defending champions did create some tense moments on the final day.
The standout player in Rome was world number two Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland. He participated in all five matches and secured four points. The victory in Italy also added to captain Luke Donald’s impressive Ryder Cup record. He was part of the winning team in all four of his appearances as a player and in two outings as a vice-captain.
As a Worldwide Partner, BMW provided support to the iconic competition by offering all-electric mobility for the golf and organizing teams, ensuring zero-emission transport. BMW also achieved a world first by broadcasting every shot live in the new BMW 7 Series and other models.
The BMW Group provided its customers with an exclusive Ryder Cup experience, hosting prominent guests including vice captains José Maria Olazábal, Francesco Molinari, and Thomas Bjørn, as well as the winning Ryder Cup captain from 2010, Colin Montgomerie, and former world-class footballer Gareth Bale.