From the opening tee, the duo – arriving at Bethpage on the back of landmark seasons – looked locked in. McIlroy, who won the Masters earlier this year to complete his career Grand Slam, wasted no time showing his class. His pinpoint approach into the 2nd set up a tap-in birdie that gave Europe an early spark.
Fleetwood, meanwhile, had capped his year with a breakthrough victory at the PGA Tour Championship, clinching the FedExCup in the process. He showed the same nerveless touch at Bethpage, rolling in a composed mid-range par save on the 7th that felt like a dagger, keeping all the momentum on Europe’s side.
By the time they sealed their win on the 14th against Collin Morikawa and Harris English, the outcome had long felt inevitable. The mix of McIlroy’s flair and Fleetwood’s steadiness silenced the Bethpage galleries and gave Europe a jolt of belief. Few partnerships in Ryder Cup history have been this dependable, and “Fleetwood Mac” once again proved why.
*In match play, a “5&4” win means the winners were five holes ahead with only four left to play. Since the opponents couldn’t catch up, the match ended on the 14th hole — the last four holes didn’t even need to be played.
