01 October 2023 , 16:47
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It was the moment that Europe had waited for... and it proved too much for one supporter.
As the cheers went up in Rome following confirmation that USA had been defeated and the Ryder Cup was Europe's once more - after Tommy Fleetwood's clinched the trophy on the 16th - one supporter couldn't resist celebrating in style.
The gentleman, whom social media has pointed out bears a somewhat striking resemblance to Colonel Sanders, teared his way across the course at the Marco Simone Golf Club, evading security, before launching himself into the water.
The grey-haired gentleman was caught on camera evading security, before he ditched his hat as he darted towards the lake. He then leapt into the water and began thrashing about in celebration. "Colonel Sanders is loving life," remarked one social media user.
Rory McIlroy fought back tears of joy after Europe’s win, with the Northern Irishman having contributed a career-best performance in Rome.
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McIlroy’s singles victory over Sam Burns ensured he won four matches in the biennial contest for the first time as Luke Donald’s side inflicted a seventh straight away defeat on the United States.
Donald, who played on four winning sides and was ranked world number one, hailed the win as the biggest achievement of his career.
“This is the best. This is why the Ryder Cup is so special to me and these guys, because of these moments,” Donald said.
McIlroy felt he had let his team-mates down at Whistling Straits after suffering three heavy defeats before beating Schauffele in the singles, after which he broke down in tears during a television interview and admitted he could not wait for a shot at redemption in Rome.
McIlroy won his first three matches at Marco Simone but lost the final fourball on Saturday evening and was involved in an angry exchange with Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava over his celebrations on the 18th green which spilled over into the car park.
“Walking off the 18th yesterday was probably the angriest I’ve ever been in my career,” McIlroy told BBC Radio 5 Live. “I said it to the US guys, I thought it was disgraceful what went on and I made that clear.
“I needed that to fuel me today and not let it take away from what has been a great week. I felt like I used it to my advantage and came out with a different level of focus and determination and in a way it gave the whole team a bit of fire in our bellies.”
McIlroy had to fight back tears before he added: “I just wanted to win another point for Europe. Ever since Whistling Straits I was so disappointed in my performance there, so to come here and get four points for the team means a lot to me.
“It’s a great bounce-back after Whistling Straits. The team we have is incredible. It’s a young team that I think will be around for a long time.”