+++ 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 celebrated another home victory at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club (Rome, ITA), meaning they are now undefeated on European soil since 1997. Captain Luke Donald’s (ENG) team led 10.5:5.5 after the first two days, but Sunday’s singles still proved to be a tense affair. It was Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) who eventually got the Europeans over the line with a 3&1 win against Rickie Fowler. The defending champions from the USA were typically strong in the singles, but were unable to pull off what would have been the biggest comeback in the history of the Ryder Cup.
“There was once again an electrifying energy driving many people at the 44th Ryder Cup in Rome, the teams to fantastic golf, and the enthusiastic fans. They all make this competition what it is: unique,” said Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Human Resources and Real Estate. “Congratulations to Team Europe on a great victory, but also to the USA team. All 24 players left their individual interests at home this week, coming together with their team to strive towards a bigger goal and adding their diverse qualities to the joint effort. As well as the passion for golf, this is another reason why the BMW Group is Worldwide Partner of the Ryder Cup.”
The Europeans got off to a lightning-quick start to the 44th Ryder Cup and won all the foursomes on Friday morning. This was the first time in the history of the competition that a European had made such an emphatic start. The home team never looked back from that point, even though the defending champions did manage to make it a little tense at times on the final day.
The most successful player in Rome was world number two Rory McIlroy (NIR), who played all five matches and picked up four points. The triumph in Italy saw captain Luke Donald extend his personal Ryder Cup record. He was on the winning team in each of his four appearances as a player, and his two outings as vice-captain.
As Worldwide Partner, BMW supported the iconic competition with all-electric mobility, with which the members of the golf and organising teams enjoyed zero-emission transport. BMW also showed every shot live in the new BMW 7 Series and other models – a world first.
The BMW Group gave its customers an exclusive Ryder Cup experience with a host of prominent guests, including vice captains José Maria Olazábal (ESP), Francesco Molinari (ITA) and Thomas Bjørn (DEN), the winning Ryder Cup captain from 2010, Colin Montgomerie (SCO), and former world-class footballer Gareth Bale (WAL).