Jubilant Tommy Fleetwood shares his pride after Europe regained the Ryder Cup in dramatic fashion in Rome, as he hails the team’s ‘gigantic family’ and salutes winning captain Luke Donald
Tommy Fleetwood has shared his joy after helping Europe regain the Ryder Cup in dramatic fashion in Rome, labeling the team as ‘one giant family’.
Fleetwood secured the winning point from Marco Simone after beating Rickie Fowler and had also initially guaranteed the half-point needed to lead those in blue over the line after his opponent conceded on the 16th and caused jubilant scenes.
The Americans were staring down the barrel of a crushing defeat ahead of the 12 singles matches, but despite being outplayed and out-fought on the first two days, they put up fierce resistance and slowed down a procession.
However, Fleetwood made victory mathematically certain after going two ahead to play, marking the start of wild celebrations on the course.
Tommy Fleetwood has shared his joy after helping Europe regain the Ryder Cup
Fleetwood mathematically guaranteed victory after gaining the required half-point in Rome
“I didn’t want it to happen to any of us in the back,” he said.
“I can’t wait to see the rest of the boys, the captain, the vice-captains, our wives, our families and the staff.
‘I really enjoy playing a role in that. It was a little bigger than I thought when I saw the draw.
‘I am so proud. We have a great group of people, it always is.
‘This year has been very different and the landscape has changed for Team Europe, but I couldn’t ask for a better bunch of people to deal with this.
‘We are one gigantic family and the bonds you make will last a lifetime. This is so cool.’
Victorious captain Luke Donald has been widely praised for leading his players to glory
After the win, Fleetwood laid bare his rollercoaster of emotions and saluted his teammates
Fleetwood began his rollercoaster of emotions, adding: “Relief, pride, joy. I’m proud that I’m just one of the people who gets to play a role. I love everyone involved.”
Captain Luke Donald has been praised by his team after steering them to victory, with Fleetwood labeling him ‘amazing’ and admitting he takes pride in getting the job done.
“We are all so proud of him,” Fleetwood said. “From the beginning of the process he has been so, so good. We look at Luke on a different level.
“I’m so glad we could do it for him.”
Europe’s dominance on the scoreboards saw them earn redemption for their resounding record loss at Whistling Straits.