Luke Donald admitted Europe’s dramatic Ryder Cup triumph at Bethpage Black was “the most stressful 12 hours” of his life, after his side held off a ferocious American fightback to retain the trophy.

Donald, captaining Europe for the second time, guided his team through a tense final day in New York as the U.S. threatened to overturn Europe’s overnight lead. The contest went to the wire before Irishman Shane Lowry holed the putt that guaranteed Europe would leave America with the silverware once again.

The Americans, spurred on by passionate home support, threw everything into the singles matches and closed the gap in dramatic fashion. For long stretches it appeared momentum had swung in their favour, but Europe refused to fold.

“That has to be the most stressful 12 hours of my life,” Donald confessed afterwards. “A shoutout to the Americans, and Keegan Bradley’s captaincy. We knew they would be tough but we didn’t know they would be this tough. They fought so hard so respect to them.”

Luke Donald was close to tears as he spoke after Team Europe won the Ryder Cup

“This means a lot to me, to the team,” Donald added. “We came here knowing the task couldn’t be more difficult and I couldn’t be more proud of what these guys have gone through.”

The pressure ultimately fell on Lowry, who rolled in the decisive putt and collapsed into an emotional embrace with his teammates. The Irishman, a lifelong Ryder Cup fan, struggled to find words afterwards.

: Team Europe win Ryder Cup after terrific Team USA comeback threatened to derail hopes

“Luke is the greatest captain that has ever lived,” Lowry said. “He’s the most amazing man in the world. He’s done the best job. I don’t know what to say.”

For Lowry, the moment carried extra meaning knowing the next Ryder Cup will take place in Ireland. “It will be a little bit nicer than playing here, I know that!” he joked, still visibly emotional.

Luke Donald had high praise for Team USA

Donald’s leadership has now delivered back-to-back victories, first in Rome and now in the hostile surroundings of Bethpage Black.

His tactical decisions, calm presence, and ability to inspire his players have won widespread praise across the golfing world.

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“The U.S. team were incredible opponents,” Donald reflected. “We had to dig deeper than ever before, and in the end it’s a win that will live long in the memory.”

For Europe, the victory represents not only another famous chapter in their Ryder Cup story but also a reminder of their extraordinary dominance in the modern era.

Shane Lowry was the man to seal the retention for Team Europe

As the interview took place fans in the stands sang Ole, Ole, Ole, bringing multiple members of the team to tears after a week full of abuse from the hostile away fans.

As champagne flowed and chants echoed across the green, Europe’s unity and resilience once again proved decisive — leaving Donald, Lowry, and the rest of the team to savour a triumph earned the hard way.