Junior Ryder Cup: Europe wins in dominant fashion
The European Junior Ryder Cup Team (PGA of America Photo)
Team Europe entered the final day singles matches with a six-point lead after a clean sweep in Wednesday's four-balls at Golf Nazionale. They totaled seven victories and three ties in 12 Thursday singles matches at this year’s Ryder Cup venue, triumphing 20 ½ to 9 ½.
Germany’s Helen Briem provided the Europeans with some early momentum after her 2&1 win over Yana Wilson, before Kris Kim defeated Miles Russell 5&4 to extend Europe’s advantage.
Spaniard Andrea Revuelta holed the winning putt to seal outright victory for Team Europe for the first time since 2004, when they won the trophy on American soil at Westfield Group Country Club in Ohio.
Scotland’s Conor Graham overcame American Jay Leng Jr 1 UP, while Swede Meja Örtengren defeated Gianna Clemente 3&2. Irishman Sean Keeling and Italian Giovanni Binaghi provided the two other European victories.
In the final match to finish on the course, Italy’s Francesca Fiorellini provided a moment of magic on the 18th green as she came back from 2 DN with two holes to play, holing a putt from 25 feet to tie the match in front of a raucous home crowd.
European Junior Ryder Cup Captain Stephen Gallacher was delighted to bring home the trophy for his side and believes the future is bright for European golf.
“It feels absolutely amazing,” he said. “I am so proud of this team and what they have achieved. The team spirit has been unbelievable, and it has been a privilege to be their Captain.
“Every player took control of their own game and they’ve done everything I could have asked of them. The standard of golf has blown me away and it has been inspiring to watch. We are looking at future Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup stars.
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ABOUT THE Junior Ryder Cup
Ryder Cup-style matches between 12-person
junior teams from the United States and Great
Britain & Ireland. Format includes foursomes,
mixed four-ball and singles competition. The
United States Junior Ryder Cup Team consists of
six boys and six girls who are American citizens
and are members of next year's high school
graduating class or younger.
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