THE champagne flowed amid wild celebrations at Marco Simone Golf Club as Team Europe smashed the USA to regain the Ryder Cup.
Zach Johnson’s Americans staged a late comeback but the Europeans held their nerve to secure a 16.5-11.5 win.
Single Viktor Hovland joined in with the Wags’ celebrationSportsfile
GettyHovland and Jose Maria Olazabal partnered up as his team-mates enjoyed a kiss[/caption]
Rory McIlory was straight on the drinkRichard Pelham / The Sun
GettyEurope won 16.5-11.5[/caption]
An emotional Rory McIlroy was left tearful after his final day singles victory over Sam Burns as he sent Luke Donald’s men within touching distance of glory.
Tommy Fleetwood eventually wrapped it up as fans charged onto the fairway and some even dived into the lake.
The Europeans popped open a bottle of champagne instantly as McIlroy took a well-earned swig.
Shane Lowry and Tyrrell Hatton had booze poured over them as Jon Rahm and Justin Rose couldn’t stop smiling.
Captain Donald lifted his arms in celebration and tears filled his eyes as he maintained a stunning 100 per cent winning Ryder Cup record as a player and now as a skipper.
He described his team as “12 gladiators” and the squad all embraced each other and chanted “championes, championes, ole, ole, ole” as the togetherness spotted throughout the weekend was more apparent than ever.
US skipper Johnson trudged past the prize as Donald led his players to the stage to finally get their hands on trophy.
His emotional-filled speech was hijacked by Lowry, who chanted “two more years” at his captain.
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Tommy Fleetwood secured the win on the 16th holeRichard Pelham / The Sun
AFPRory McIlroy poured alcohol over his team-mates[/caption]
GettyShane Lowry ran to Nicolai Hojgaard when victory was confirmed[/caption]
With the trophy firmly in the grasp of Europe until at least 2025 when Bethpage, New York hosts, the fun in Italy continued.
Viktor Hovland came into the 44th edition of the event as one of the most in-form players in the world and the Norwegian did not disappoint.
He might be loved around his continent for his stunning golf, but he is the only member of team Europe without a wife or girlfriend.
Hovland’s Tinder profile was leaked earlier in the week and his team-mates poked fun at his relationship status as he was made to join group photos with the Europe Wags that were all dressed in stylish yellow.
The world No4 laid in front of the 11 partners and then put his arm around assistant Jose Maria Olazabal, 57, as all his team-mates shared a kiss with their loved ones.
Hovland and Ryder Cup legend Olazabal had also been snapped holding hands as Europe’s glam couples posed for photos on Rome’s iconic Spanish Steps earlier in the week.
McIlory lapped up the atmosphere as he walked over the bridge to his press conference, being surrounded either side by fans chanting his name.
Team Europe then took a seat in front of the world’s media with emotions still running high.
McIlroy, who seemed to already be feeling the effects of the champagne he downed earlier, said: “One of the biggest accomplishments in sport right now is winning an away Ryder Cup.
“That’s what we’re going to do at Bethpage.”
His team-mates interjected with a loud “Yes Rory” as the shout was greeted by loud banging of the table.
A wild evening of partying is set to go long into the night in Rome.
@RyderCupEuropeTyrrell Hatton will be sinking a few pints tonight[/caption]
GettyThe European team got on the beers after the win[/caption]
GettyChampagne was flowing at Marco Simone[/caption]
APUSA have not won away since 1993[/caption]
GettyLuke Donald has won four Ryder Cups as a player and now one as a captain[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
