Team Europe Holds on for Ryder Cup Victory in Italy

A biennial golf tournament involving the best players from Europe and the United States, the Ryder Cup began in 1927 at the Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts. Since then, it has been held at different venues in the US and Europe and featured a variety of scoring formats. Europe won the most recent Ryder Cup, which took place at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Italy from September 29 to October 1, 2023.

Europe won the competition 16.5-11.5 thanks in large part to the play of Rory McIlroy, who earned four of a possible five points in his matches. The scoring format, which has been in place since 1979, featured three days of competition with two sets of four fourball and foursomes on the first two days and 12 singles matches on the final day.

McIlroy, in his seventh Ryder Cup appearance, beat Sam Burns 3 and 1 in head-to-head competition on Sunday. On Friday, he teamed with Tommy Fleetwood to beat Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay 2 and 1 and with Matt Fitzpatrick to beat Schauffele and Collin Morikawa 5 and 3. He and Fleetwood beat Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth 2 and 1 Saturday morning, while his lone defeat came with Fitzpatrick against Cantlay and Wyndham Clark Saturday afternoon.

McIlroy could have tied the match with Cantlay and Clark by making his putt on the 18th hole. While he missed the putt, the bigger story was the altercation he had with Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava, whom McIlroy believed broke golf etiquette by celebrating too long and standing too close to his putting line. Video taken later that night showed a furious McIlroy being held back from LaCava, calling the behavior “[expletive] disgraceful.”

Europe swept Friday’s opening session to jump out to a 4-0 lead and the Americans, despite brief periods of hope on Sunday, were never truly in contention. Europe sealed the victory in the singles match between Fleetwood and Rickie Fowler. The American conceded a birdie to Fleetwood on the 16th hole after his drive sailed into the water. Fowler is now 1-8-5 in 14 career Ryder Cup matches outside of the US. Max Homa was one of the few bright spots for the US team, going 3-1-1 in his first Ryder Cup.

Despite the Ryder Cup taking place in Europe, captain Luke Donald, who selected the team’s 12 players, said that “not many people gave us a chance,” owing in large part to its performance two years ago at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. The Americans won that match 19-9, marking Europe’s most lopsided loss in the Ryder Cup. However, with their win in Italy, Europe has now won seven consecutive Ryder Cups on home soil, dating back to 1993 when the US won at The Belfry in England. Europe has also won 10 of the 14 Ryder Cups since 1995.

Nonetheless, the United States maintains an overall advantage in Ryder Cup victories since the event’s inception. However, in the modern era, which commenced in 1979, Europe has compiled a record of 12 wins, nine losses, and one tie. Before that, the event was contested between the top players in the US and the top players in Great Britain. The Bethpage Black Course in New York will host the 2025 Ryder Cup, while the event will return to Europe at Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027.

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A Journey through Europe’s Art Capitals

Europe has long been considered the cradle of artistic expression, creativity, and cultural heritage. Europe’s capitals are renowned for their iconic museums housing everything from ancient art to Renaissance masterpieces and unique contemporary art. Embarking on a journey through Europe’s art capitals is a delightful adventure for art enthusiasts and history lovers.

The journey begins in Florence, the heart of the Italian Renaissance. The Uffizi Gallery houses an exceptional collection of Renaissance art, including works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli, while the Accademia Gallery houses Michelangelo’s “David,” a true marvel of sculptural perfection. The city’s immersive artistic heritage is visible in its squares, bridges, and Renaissance buildings, including the imposing Duomo, designed by Brunelleschi.

Next on this journey is the enchanting City of Light, Paris. The French capital has been an artistic hub for centuries, attracting creatives from all over the world. The famous Louvre Museum houses an astonishing array of art, including the enigmatic smile of Leonardo’s “Mona Lisa.” The Musée d’Orsay showcases an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir. Finally, Paris boasts stunning architecture and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.

From France, it’s time to travel to Vienna, a city steeped in artistic elegance and grandeur. The opulent Belvedere Palace houses an impressive collection of Austrian art, including Gustav Klimt’s golden masterpiece, “The Kiss.” Vienna’s artistic legacy extends to music, with the city being the home of composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Finally, the city’s baroque architecture creates a captivating backdrop for any art-focused exploration.

Next, travelers can head to Germany to visit the capital city of Berlin, which has a turbulent history reflected in its art. The East Side Gallery, a remaining segment of the Berlin Wall, serves as a canvas for vibrant murals and political expressions. The city’s Museum Island is home to world-class art collections, including the Pergamon Museum and the Alte Nationalgalerie. Finally, Berlin’s underground art scene and street art contribute to the city’s artistic allure.

The next destination is Amsterdam, a city renowned for its vibrant art scene and rich cultural heritage. The Van Gogh Museum pays homage to the iconic Dutch artist, featuring an extensive collection of his works. The Rijksmuseum showcases Dutch Golden Age paintings, including masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. In addition, Amsterdam’s charming canals and historic buildings offer a unique setting in which to discover the city’s creative spirit.

This artistic journey continues in London, a melting pot of creativity and culture. Tate Modern is a global icon of contemporary art, showcasing works by prominent artists like Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. The British Museum is an architectural marvel that houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts from ancient and contemporary civilizations. Wandering around the streets of London, visitors can spot iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and the imposing St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Back in the Mediterranean area, Madrid is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts, home to some of the world’s finest art galleries. The Prado Museum houses an exquisite collection of European art, including works by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch. The Centro de Arte Reina Sofia displays Spain’s contemporary art, with Picasso’s iconic masterpiece “Guernica” taking center stage. Furthermore, travelers can stroll through the delightful Parque de El Retiro and wonder at the city’s majestic squares.

The art-based journey ends back in Italy, because no trip through Europe would be complete without a stop in Rome, which is a living museum of human history with awe-inspiring architecture and ancient wonders. The Vatican Museums house an extensive art collection, including Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Galleria Borghese is home to a display of paintings and sculptures, including iconic works by Antonio Canova. Finally, visitors can explore the ruins of the Roman Forum and marvel at the iconic Colosseum, a testament to Roman grandeur.

Europe’s art capitals offer an immersive experience into the diverse and evolving world of art. From classical masterpieces to disruptive, political street art, each city leaves an enduring impression on visitors. Embarking on this artistic journey through Europe allows travelers to witness the evolution of artistic expression and discover the continent’s cultural heritage.

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