Europe 17½ USA 10½: Molinari magic seals Ryder Cup victory

Francesco Molinari Team Europe 2018 Ryder Cup — Francesco Molinari celebrates Team Europe’s Ryder Cup victory at Le Golf National

(Image credit: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Francesco Molinari scored an overall fifth point to seal a 17½-10½ Ryder Cup victory for Team Europe against Team USA at Le Golf National.

Ryder Cup: a legendary contest 2018 Ryder Cup guide: final results, players, course, history

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Thomas Bjorn, European captain: “We’re very proud today. They have been amazing, the 12 of them have just been unbelievable. The way they bonded with each other, there were things they had done, and how they just get together and do a proper job; they were determined. They just set out to do a job themselves, and I mean, it was an easy job to guide them in that direction. They wanted this desperately, it’s all down to 12 players.”

Ian Poulter, “The Postman” delivered with a 2 up win over world No.1 Dustin Johnson: “I think the fans have been amazing. You know, this is a special team. There’s a young bunch of kids. I was fortunate to get a pick as an old man to come and play, and you know what, I helped out a little bit and these boys were incredible. To bring this trophy back, to keep that run going the way we have, you know, we’re a strong force in Europe. We knew we were the underdogs and that made us even more determined this week.”

Sergio Garcia became Europe’s all-time leading Ryder Cup points scorer after his 2&1 win against Rickie Fowler: “I don’t usually cry, but I couldn’t help it. What a week. It’s been a rough year, but you know, we fought hard. Obviously so thankful for Thomas to pick me and believe in me, and you know, so happy, so happy to get the cup back here in Paris and in Europe and for everyone to enjoy it as much as they did.”

Tommy Fleetwood, who won four points for Europe over the three days but lost 6&4 to Tony Finau in the singles: “It’s all well and good being in it but the goal is to be on a winning Ryder Cup team. You know, I’ve spent time in a bubble this week with Ryder Cup legends and guys that are playing in it for the first time, and you know, it couldn’t have gotten any better. This is it. This is as good as it gets right now.”

Henrik Stenson, won beat Bubba Watson 5&4: “I was one of the guys who was there to lose it two years ago [17-11 at Hazeltine], so that little bit of extra revenge makes it feel even sweeter. We’ve had such a good week together and feel really honoured to play with these guys. They have done amazing. We’ve had so much fun and to come out here in front of the home crowds to deliver, that’s very special.”

Tyrrell Hatton, who lost 3&2 to Patrick Reed: “On a personal note, it’s disappointing to not help the team today, but looking at the bigger picture, it’s been an honour to be part of the team. I’m absolutely delighted to be on the winning team, the guys have been fantastic from the team room to the golf course and it’s very special to be part of it. Nothing comes close to it, not even a major. The support you get walking onto every green, it’s so loud.”

Rory McIlroy, who lost his singles match against Justin Thomas: “The fact that all 12 players got points validates what Thomas Bjorn has tried to do with the team. Thomas has been great, constantly in contact with those who were involved or were on the fringes, it has been a bit of a love-in over the past week on the WhatsApp group and I think the friendships forged this week will last a lifetime. The party tonight will be extra special.”

American skipper Jim Furyk: “I’m proud of these guys. They fought. They came out today, and there was a time this morning where it looked like we had a chance on those first five or six matches, put heat on Europe, and they fought. My hat’s off to Europe. They played well again. When it got tough, they turned it around. Hats off to Thomas [Bjorn]. He was a great captain. His 12 team members played well.”

Tiger Woods, who failed to win a point all weekend and lost 2&1 to Europe’s Jon Rahm: “Well, it’s disappointing because I went 0-4, and that’s four points to the European team. And I’m one of the contributing factors to why we lost the cup, and it’s not a lot of fun. It’s frustrating because we came here, I thought we were all playing pretty well, and I just didn’t perform at the level that I had been playing, and just got behind early in the matches and never got back.”

Rickie Fowler, who lost 2&1 to Sergio Garcia: “We left it all out there. The Ryder Cup is the best week in your career you have to embrace them as much as you can. You can assume I’m probably not feeling the best but it’s been a great week here. I’ve been impressed with the turn-out in France. The fans in Paris have been great fun to be around. When people boo you it’s kind of fun being on the receiving side. Everything has been great. The locals have been very welcoming. The European fans are respectful knowledgeable fans. They rub us a little bit but that’s part of sport.”