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SPANISH golfing big shot Jon Rahm was one of the stars of the show as Europe defied an inspired United States comeback to retain the Ryder Cup in front of a rowdy – and sometimes abusive – US crowd.
Luke Donald’s side had been magnificent across the weekend, opening up a resounding 11 ½ – 4 ½ lead across fourballs and foursomes ahead of Sunday’s twelve singles matches.
Six of the first 8 singles matches were won by the American team as the nerves in the European camp frayed.
In the end, an excellent putt from charismatic Irishman Shane Lowry on the 18th and final hole was enough to secure the 14 points required to retain the prestigious trophy – before Englishman Tyrrell Hatton sealed the half point necessary for an outright win.
The victory is Europe’s first on away turf since 2012, the so-called ‘Miracle of Medinah’ where Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal – a vice-captain for Luke Donald this year – oversaw a remarkable final-day comeback from 10-6 down.
Spain’s own golfing hero of the modern era, Rahm, has been one of Europe’s brightest lights this week at Bethpage Black. This formidable course is located in New York.
The hulking Basque golfer, who was born in the Basque Country, was one of only three Europeans that played a maximum five matches. He won three of them and earned three points.
A brilliant chip-in with his wedge on Saturday alongside LIV teammate Hatton was one of the highlights – with Rahm defying abusive heckles varying from digs at tapas to calls for him to take Ozempic, the weight-loss drug.
READ MORE: Tapas and pintxos: Spanish golfer Jon Rahm shares his tasty selections for the tradition Masters Champions Dinner, a nod towards his Basque heritage.
Rahm’s short game was compared in European media with his legendary compatriot Seve Balesteros. A five-time major champion, Ballesteros led Europe to five Ryder Cup wins as both a captain and player.
Following in the footsteps of Ballesteros, the 30-year-old boasts the impressive feat of holding a 6-0-0 record in foursomes – a team format also known as alternative shot.
He is one of just two players in Ryder Cup history to have played five or more matches in the format and remain unbeaten – alongside English teammate Tommy Fleetwood.
Last year, Rahm was ranked by Forbes as the world’s second highest-paid athlete, raking in an eye-watering €187 million.
But European players do not get paid for participating in the Ryder Cup – unlike their American rivals – although that did not stop Rahm from bursting into tears once team victory was all but sealed.
On social media, a video shows that the Spaniard captaining the Legion XIII golf team, which is part of the LIV Golf Tour, sprayed champagne on European fans and then jumped into the crowd.
Read more: Spain will host the Ryder Cup golf tournament for a second time in 2031
Rahm is well known for his envious performance in this tournament, which is regarded by many as the most prestigious event of golf.
Two years ago, Rahm went unbeaten in four matches as Europe demolished the US 16 ½ – 11 ½ in Rome, Italy.
Four years ago Europe were beaten 19-9 in Wisconsin by Whistlings Straits, but Rahm was still proud, scoring 3.5 points out of nine for the team.
Rahm won both the US Open and the Masters Tournament 2021.
The next Ryder Cup in Ireland will take place at Adare Manor, in 2027.
The Camiral Club, on the Costa Brava, will host the event four years after the Valderrama Golf Club.
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