01 October 2023 , 16:15
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American Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson has taken full responsibility for his team's 16.5-11.5 defeat to Team Europe at Marco Simone.
It proved to be a week to forget for the United States in Rome, as they were pushed aside on all three days of play. Despite a fightback in Sunday's singles matches, their fate was confirmed by European star Tommy Fleetwood, who defeated Rickie Fowler to ensure the Ryder Cup remained in Europe this time around.
On the back of the defeat, Johnson made sure the blame was taken away from his 12 players, instead insisting that the loss laid solely on his shoulders in an interview in which he became visibly emotional.
He told Sky Sports: "I am proud of my guys. They fought, they have got so much heart and grit. It is not them it is on me. Maybe there are some important decisions I can reflect on, I don't have an idea yet, but it is not on them 12 guys. They played so hard, and I am grateful for each and every one of them."
It was a tough week on and off the course for the Americans, after a report suggested their locker room had been 'fractured' with Patrick Cantlay alleged to be at the centre of the rift. This was quickly rubbished by Johnson and Cantlay, and it appeared to be used as motivation for the away team to bounce back on day three.
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Despite a dominant start from the Europeans in the Sunday singles, the Americans fought their way back into it, with the likes of Cantlay, Brooks Koepka, Xander Schauffele and Max Homa all adding to the U.S. tally to give them a glimmer of hope.
Zach Johnson paid tribute to Luke Donald and Europe (Getty Images)It was not to be though, as Fleetwood's victory soon put an end to the American fight back, securing the win for Team Europe. Afterwards, Johnson was keen to deflect away from his team's troubles and paid tribute to the impressive performance of their rivals.
"You have to take your hat off," he said. "To Team Europe, to Luke, they played great, they earned it." It completes a remarkable turnaround, with the Americans such a dominant force at Whistling Straits two years ago. Their defeat in Rome continues their torrid run on European soil, as the Americans 30-year wait for an away Ryder Cup win goes on.