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• Team Europe secured the BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year award for their dramatic 15-13 victory over the United States in the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
• Led by captain Luke Donald, Europe achieved their first away win since the 2012 Miracle at Medinah, overcoming a hostile crowd and a fierce American comeback.
• Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood accepted the award, with McIlroy also winning the individual Sports Personality of the Year.
• The team edged out strong competition from England’s Euro 2025-winning Lionesses and the Women’s Rugby World Cup champions.

Celebrating a Historic Ryder Cup Triumph

Team Europe’s gripping performance at the 2025 Ryder Cup earned them the prestigious BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year award in December 2025. Under captain Luke Donald’s steady leadership, the squad delivered a masterclass in resilience, clinching a hard-fought 15-13 victory on American soil at the iconic Bethpage Black course in New York.

The Ryder Cup, held from September 26-28, 2025, saw Europe dominate the early sessions, building an unprecedented 11.5-4.5 lead heading into the Sunday singles—the largest margin ever carried into the final day. This commanding position set the stage for high drama, as the U.S. mounted one of the most remarkable fightbacks in the event’s history, winning 8.5 points in singles—the joint-most by any team since Europe joined in 1979.

The Dramatic Path to Victory

Europe’s success began with strong foursomes and fourballs play on Friday and Saturday. Key partnerships shone brightly, with players like Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm, and Tyrrell Hatton contributing crucial points amid a raucous, partisan crowd. The atmosphere at Bethpage Black was electric and often intense, testing the Europeans’ composure.

Sunday’s singles brought nail-biting tension. The U.S. stormed back with early wins, threatening to overturn the deficit—no team had ever recovered from more than four points down on the final day. Critical moments defined the outcome: Shane Lowry’s clutch birdie putt on the 18th halved his match against Russell Henley, retaining the Cup for Europe at 14 points. Tyrrell Hatton soon followed with a half against Collin Morikawa, securing the outright win at 14.5, with additional halves pushing the final score to 15-13.

This victory marked Europe’s second consecutive Ryder Cup triumph and their fifth on U.S. soil since 1979. It ended a 13-year drought for away wins, echoing the spirit of the 2012 comeback at Medinah.

Acceptance and Team Spirit

Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood collected the award on behalf of the team. McIlroy, fresh from his own Sports Personality of the Year win, emphasized collective effort: “As a lot of other sports people in this room know, it’s an honour to be a part of these teams. We’re up here as two of the 12 players. We also had the captain, vice captains, and all the backroom team—we could not have done what we did without all of them.”

Their words highlighted the unity that powered Europe’s success, from preparation to performance under pressure.

Award Context and Legacy

Team Europe became the seventh Ryder Cup side to claim this BBC honor and the first since 2010. They prevailed over accomplished nominees: England’s Lionesses, who defended their UEFA Women’s Euro title, and the Red Roses, victorious in the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The previous winner, in 2024, was the Wigan Warriors rugby league team for their quadruple success. The shortlist was curated by a panel of sporting experts, including Maggie Alphonsi, Anita Asante, and others from media and athletics.

Team Europe’s 2025 Ryder Cup campaign stands as one of the most thrilling chapters in the biennial contest’s near-century history. Hosted at Bethpage Black—a demanding public course known for its punishing rough and bunkers—the event drew massive crowds and intense passion.

From the outset, Luke Donald’s strategy paid dividends. Returning 11 players from the 2023 Rome victory provided continuity, while wildcard selections bolstered depth. Europe swept the opening sessions, showcasing superior team play in foursomes and fourballs. Standout performances included unbeaten records from players like Hatton and dominant pairings that exploited precise shot-making.

The Saturday evening lead of seven points was historic, positioning Europe for potential rout. Yet, Sunday unfolded as pure theater. The U.S., spurred by home support, delivered inspired golf: early red on the scoreboard from players like Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Justin Thomas narrowed the gap alarmingly.

As matches reached the closing holes, tension peaked. Lowry’s emotional celebration after holing his putt became an instant classic, symbolizing Irish grit in Ryder Cup lore. Hatton’s composure in clinching the win underscored Europe’s mental fortitude.

This win reinforced Europe’s recent dominance, claiming six of the last eight Ryder Cups. For Donald, it cemented his status as one of the finest captains, joining elite company with back-to-back victories.

The BBC recognition caps a memorable year for European golf. McIlroy’s dual honors—individual and team—reflect his pivotal role, contributing 3.5 points despite facing crowd hostility. Fleetwood’s consistent excellence earned him the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award for embodying the Ryder Cup spirit.

Amid growing global interest in golf, this triumph inspires future generations. Europe’s ability to thrive in adversity—at a venue famed for its “bear pit” atmosphere—highlights teamwork, preparation, and passion. As the Cup heads to Adare Manor in 2027, Team Europe’s 2025 heroes have set a towering standard, blending skill with unbreakable spirit in one of sport’s greatest rivalries.

The award not only celebrates the victory but underscores the Ryder Cup’s unique appeal: no prize money, pure pride, and moments that transcend the game.

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