Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

US Wins Ryder Cup to End Europe's Streak

By the Associated Press

Posted Sep 21, 2008 5:28 PM CDT

(AP) – The Americans didn't need a miracle putt or even the best player in the world to reclaim the Ryder Cup from Europe today for the first time since 1999. The United States won 16 1/2-11 1/2, its largest margin of victory since 1981. Kenny Perry, the 48-year-old Kentucky local who felt this week would make or break his career, was part of an early push that swung momentum toward the Americans.

Then came fellow Kentuckian J.B. Holmes, blasting drives over the trees to birdie his last two holes and position the United States for a victory it felt was overdue. The Ryder Cup was clinched with a handshake when Miguel Angel Jimenez conceded a short par putt to Jim Furyk, giving the Americans the 14 1/2 points they needed to take the 17-inch (44-centimeter) gold chalice.

United States team captain Paul Azinger, left, is congratulated by Europe team captain Nick Faldo in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008.
United States team captain Paul Azinger, left, is congratulated by Europe team captain Nick Faldo in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008.   (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
USA's Jim Furyk reacts after scoring the point that won the Ryder Cup golf tournament for the United States at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008.
USA's Jim Furyk reacts after scoring the point that won the Ryder Cup golf tournament for the United States at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008.   (AP Photo)
USA's J.B. Holmes, left and Kenny Perry celebrate the United States victory in the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008.
USA's J.B. Holmes, left and Kenny Perry celebrate the United States victory in the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008.   (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
tUSA's Justin Leonard, left and USA's J.B. Holmes celebrate after winning the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008.
tUSA's Justin Leonard, left and USA's J.B. Holmes celebrate after winning the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008.   (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
USA's J.B. Holmes reacts after winning his match on the 17th hole during the final round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008.
USA's J.B. Holmes reacts after winning his match on the 17th hole during the final round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008.   (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Europe's Soren Hansen reacts after missing the hole on the 17th green during the final round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008.
Europe's Soren Hansen reacts after missing the hole on the 17th green during the final round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

More Newser Stories

US Holds 9-7 Lead in Ryder

Cabrera Wins in 3-Way Playoff

Cabrera, Perry Outpace Tiger by 7 Strokes

Perry, Campbell Share Lead, Woods 7 Back

Golf Looks for a Tiger Bailout


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne