DAVIS LOVE III was left “humbled” after overseeing the United States’ first Ryder Cup victory in eight years at Hazeltine.
A front-loaded European team had attempted to overturn a 9.5 – 6.5 deficit in Sunday’s singles, but Patrick Reed’s hard-fought triumph over Rory McIlroy set the hosts on their way to an ultimately dominant victory.
Ryan Moore secured the winning point to spark wild celebrations among Team USA, vice-captain Bubba Watson – a controversial omission from the US playing line-up - sobbing uncontrollably as he celebrated with Love.
“This team had to come together,” Love told Sky Sports ”We lost Arnold Palmer on Sunday, that was tragic for golf, a blow to our team to start the week.
“So many crazy things have happened. It’s not about one guy, but Bubba showed how much spirit this team has. We’ve been criticised over the last eight years for not coming together.
Advertisement
“Everyone who played or didn’t showed we have a lot of heart. That’s one of the reasons I was put in this position. I’m humbled they put me in this position. Everything has been very special to this 12 [players] and the six captains.”
Love’s victory will taste all the sweeter given he was the USA captain when Europe pulled off the ‘Miracle of Medinah’ in 2012, overturning a four-point deficit on the final day.
He added: “Brandt was apologising up at the 17th green again about 2012 and I said ‘don’t ever do that again’.
“That was a great team, we played our hearts out, and I’ll always remember it. This was different.
“I’m super proud of them for everyone. We all pulled together for this one.”
He added of snapping USA’s losing run: “We’ve been kicked around for so long, you keep losing… you’ve got to do something different.
“We’re not going to win every one, but we’re going to have a better attitude going forward.”
Love also paid tribute to a star-studded European team that fell short.
“The Europeans played unbelievable golf, from Rory [McIlroy] all the way through, a lot of stunning golf,” said Love.
“Phil [Mickelson] put up 10 birdies and only got a half [against Sergio Garcia]. I’m proud of what Darren [Clarke, the European captain] has done, but our team beat one of the best teams ever.”
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
Love 'humbled' by Ryder Cup success
DAVIS LOVE III was left “humbled” after overseeing the United States’ first Ryder Cup victory in eight years at Hazeltine.
A front-loaded European team had attempted to overturn a 9.5 – 6.5 deficit in Sunday’s singles, but Patrick Reed’s hard-fought triumph over Rory McIlroy set the hosts on their way to an ultimately dominant victory.
Ryan Moore secured the winning point to spark wild celebrations among Team USA, vice-captain Bubba Watson – a controversial omission from the US playing line-up - sobbing uncontrollably as he celebrated with Love.
“This team had to come together,” Love told Sky Sports ”We lost Arnold Palmer on Sunday, that was tragic for golf, a blow to our team to start the week.
“So many crazy things have happened. It’s not about one guy, but Bubba showed how much spirit this team has. We’ve been criticised over the last eight years for not coming together.
“Everyone who played or didn’t showed we have a lot of heart. That’s one of the reasons I was put in this position. I’m humbled they put me in this position. Everything has been very special to this 12 [players] and the six captains.”
Love’s victory will taste all the sweeter given he was the USA captain when Europe pulled off the ‘Miracle of Medinah’ in 2012, overturning a four-point deficit on the final day.
He added: “Brandt was apologising up at the 17th green again about 2012 and I said ‘don’t ever do that again’.
“I’m super proud of them for everyone. We all pulled together for this one.”
He added of snapping USA’s losing run: “We’ve been kicked around for so long, you keep losing… you’ve got to do something different.
“We’re not going to win every one, but we’re going to have a better attitude going forward.”
Love also paid tribute to a star-studded European team that fell short.
“The Europeans played unbelievable golf, from Rory [McIlroy] all the way through, a lot of stunning golf,” said Love.
“Phil [Mickelson] put up 10 birdies and only got a half [against Sergio Garcia]. I’m proud of what Darren [Clarke, the European captain] has done, but our team beat one of the best teams ever.”
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
America win Ryder Cup after amazing day at Hazeltine
Reed revels in ‘hard-fought’ McIlroy win
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Davis Love III Europe European Tour Golf PGA Tour Redemption Ryder Cup United States