The streak is over.
After taking home the title in 2010, 2012 and 2014, Team Europe’s run was brought to an end as Team USA took back the title with a 17-11 victory on its home turf at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota.
It was the largest margin of victory for Team USA since 1981. Team Europe came in having won three consecutive titles and eight of the past 10.
Patrick Reed, Rickie Fowler, Ryan Moore, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Brandt Snedeker and Zach Johnson all came away with victories to lead Team USA.
Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia had the best scores of the day after both fired a 9-under 63.
Mickelson, a five-time majors champion, came out firing as he birdied five of the first seven holes for Team USA. Garcia started out the day with two quick birdies and then finished the day with four consecutive birdies. For the day, both players combined for 18 birdies in a clash where the lead never got beyond one hole.
“It was amazing,” said Garcia afterwards. “Obviously to shoot nine under and end up tying the match, it’s heartbreaking. But I gave it everything I had and I don’t think I could have done anything differently. Obviously Phil just made it from everywhere and played well.”
Another exciting finish was between Patrick Reed and Rory McIlroy who literally put on a show Sunday morning.
It was incredible, unbelievable, and hilarious all at the same time.
McIlroy had for straight birdies (Nos. 5-8) yet still didn’t make up any ground as Reed made an eagle putt on the par-4 fifth hole and then also rattled off three consecutive birdies.
After McIlroy make a 40-foot putt on the eighth hole, Reed answered, by sinking a 25-footer. At that point, the duo were 9-under in a four-hole stretch.
After sinking his putt, McIlroy celebrated by screaming for joy, while pumping his fist. At one point, McIlroy got the crowd going as he held his hand up to his ear and said, “I can’t hear you.”
Reed, who had five birdies on the day, followed it up with his 25-footer and then quickly responded by playfully pointing and waving his finger at McIlroy. The two shared some laughs, gave each other a fist bump and a hug.
“Nothing personal out there,” McIlroy told reporters afterards. “It’s all fun and games.”
This is my favorite moment in golf history. https://t.co/rmskFAEazT
— Charlie Kane (@PGATOURKane) October 3, 2016
