Unforgettable 2025 Ryder Cup Comeback Energizes Team USA at Bethpage Black

Justin Thomas celebrates on the 18th green after sinking the winning putt to beat Tommy Fleetwood at the Ryder Cup on Sunday. Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Farmingdale, New York – a moment that seemed impossible kept the hearts of golf fans on edge: a long, fiery, and stunning comeback when it seemed the return would be out of reach. On the final day of the Ryder Cup, the U.S. team faced a clock against them – a seven-point deficit at the start, the largest in the modern tournament format since 1979. After two days of play the score was 11.5–4.5 in Europe’s favor, and the Europeans needed only two and a half points to retain the trophy.

There was no hope. There was no chance. And suddenly, around Sunday noon, much of that disappeared as a fresh burst of energy and unwavering belief arrived at Bethpage Black.

«They fought all the way, even when things weren’t going well, and I didn’t expect anything else from these guys today; they’re determined, proud, and play for one another, for their team, for their country, and today they showed the world that anything is truly possible»

Key moments of the final day and turning‑point matches

Cameron Young, defending his home course in the Ryder Cup on his home turf, took a crucial step forward by beating Justin Rose and lifting the team’s mood. Bryson DeChambeau erased a five‑hole deficit, halving the point with Matt Fitzpatrick. Justin Thomas, who had at times looked like he had lost control, used the 18th hole to defeat the otherwise invincible Tommy Fleetwood, adding to the comeback.

When world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler defeated Rory McIlroy, the picture of American golf’s cohesion began to come together and hint at a possible resolution. Unexpectedly, Bethpage Black felt a powerful wave of support from local fans and spectators, fueling the U.S. team and pushing it to a new rhythm. Despite the tension between fans and Europe’s stars, for most spectators the decisive moment was the sense that the story could reach the finale with a dramatic twist.

«You could see that anything could still happen»

Not only the leaders on the course captured attention, but the crowd’s reactions in the stands did as well. McIlroy faced scrutiny, but the crowd’s support truly inspired the U.S. team in the decisive moments. The New York fans also generated a wave of energy along the stretch, helping their players and turning the scene into an unforgettable moment in the tournament’s history.

“Those who were there could honestly say they heard some words, and Cameron Young and I told Scheffler and Rory yesterday that we’re sorry for them,” Justin Thomas said after the match. That was sad, Thomas added, “Cameron and I simply wanted to give them something to celebrate, not something to root against.”

“I suppose it’s the same New York fans” – that’s how many explained the tense scenes between the fans and Europe’s stars. Although the sharp episodes did not disappear, most viewers viewed this Ryder Cup as a comeback that changed the course of the tournament’s history. An unpredictable drama unfolded before everyone’s eyes as the route from Bethpage Black to the 14th and 15th holes, with echoes, again fueled the emotions on the greens.

«I gave everything for the team today. As my father used to say: just keep swimming. Don’t stop. That’s exactly how I played today»

Momentum continued into the ensuing matches. The chatter from Bradley and his teammates signaled high tension, but also confidence in their abilities. “I’m very proud of how I finished the match after trailing by five points. This is very emotional for me right now. I gave my heart and soul to this Ryder Cup, and although the points aren’t the ones I wanted to contribute to the team, I’m proud of how we defended today.”

Even when Russell Henley did not seal the win on the 17th hole, the sense that the U.S. would have the luck on its side remained. Lowry unleashed emotion on the greens and made the day’s climactic moment even brighter. His burst of joy after the final putt became one of the most emotional scenes of this comeback.

«I’m so happy to experience moments like this in this game, but these were the toughest few hours of my life. I can’t believe that ball went into the hole»

“The Ryder Cup means everything to me. I won The Open in Ireland – it’s incredible. The dream was coming true. But the Ryder Cup for me is everything, and achieving this today on the 18th green in front of everyone was incredibly hard,” Lowry emotionally summed up after the match. He acknowledged the high standard, but felt: the team made the impossible possible in the final week.

On the 18th, Europe applauded the opponents, while the U.S. lowered their heads – they were so close to history, but the opponents’ victory turned it away. “We fought, and that was the main thing,” Thomas said after the match closed, with the score still open.

After this day, questions linger about changes to Bethpage Black’s schedule and about injuries: whether other pairings should have been used in the morning foursomes or how the injury regulations affected the lineup. Yet for the U.S., this comeback became a memory of a historic moment – a moment that will be remembered in the future as the brightest victory by the national team in fifty years of the tournament.

«When you compete at this level, it’s the highest level the U.S. team has ever shown over these two days. And if that’s the case, sometimes they just beat you»

For Bradley and his team this experience was not only a test but a lesson for the future. Although the finale didn’t bring the trophy to the United States, the day remained a testament to perseverance, fighting spirit, and an unbreakable will to win – a moment that will forever be etched in the history of world golf.

“I have a complicated relationship with this tournament. A lot of disappointments. But I still love it, and I love these guys. I dream of being here again. Maybe I’ll never be able to repeat this,” Bradley added. “I’ll remember this for a lifetime.”