United States takes victory in rowdy Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup is back in the hands of the Americans.
For the first time since 2008, the United States defeated Europe in the biennial golfing showdown Sunday.
Ryan Moore two-putted on No. 18 for a 1-up victory over Lee Westwood, giving the Americans a 15-10 lead that sealed the overall win.
The victory completed a two-year soul search for the Americans after they were routed in Gleneagles for a third straight defeat. They formed a task force to address the shortcomings and delivered an emphatic performance at Hazeltine National Golf Club.
Ahead of the final day of competition, the PGA of America pleaded with the raucous crowd to be respectful of all participants.
The PGA issued a statement Sunday saying security staff would remove any fans who “are disruptive in any way, including the use of vulgar or profane language directed at the players.”
Galleries of more than 50,000 packed the golf course over the first two days of the event and made their voices heard as they backed the Americans.
Europe’s Rory McIlroy was at the center of much of the heckling, and he responded forcefully after making big shots. Patrick Reed hit the tape ahead of McIlroy for a 1-up win in the first — and arguably most contested — match of the day.
In other matches, Rickie Fowler edged Justin Rose, Brandt Snedeker beat Andy Sullivan, and Brooks Koepka routed Danny Willett.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
