The air was still buzzing two hours after Shane Lowry sealed Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph on Sunday when he strolled through the Bethpage car park in blue pyjamas. By 8:10 p.m. local time, the European team bus had become a lively stage.
Jon Rahm, Bob MacIntyre, Sepp Straka, Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, Rasmus Hojgaard, and Viktor Hovland were already on board, breaking into chants and songs.
The first tune to strike up was Spandau Ballet’s Gold, though it was unclear who had started it.
Moments later, the teasing continued with lines like “You’re getting sacked in the morning” — likely directed at Keegan Bradley — before moving into playful irony: “Is this a library, is this a library?” A nod to the first-tee scenes of Friday, when New York’s famously rowdy crowd had yet to fully live up to its reputation.
Lowry, McIlroy, and the Trophy Moment
Rory McIlroy, who had borne the brunt of the crowd’s ire, finally emerged from the Team Europe tent alongside Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton.
Meanwhile, Lowry wandered among the chaos, still seemingly dazed from one of the biggest nights of his career — or perhaps the ciders he had enjoyed.
Later, he shared a snapshot on social media that captured the night perfectly: slouched on a blue beanbag, clutching the golden Ryder Cup trophy.
Behind him, a quote from Keegan Bradley hung on the wall: “We are going to go to Bethpage to kick their f***ing ass.”
Every detail, from the color of the beanbag to the choice of quote, seemed deliberate, marking the culmination of meticulous planning and celebration.
The Genius of Luke Donald
European captain Luke Donald’s attention to detail has long been legendary.
For the 45th Ryder Cup, his obsession extended from statistics to virtual reality simulations of New York crowd behavior, even down to clothing choices designed to echo past victories.
Donald’s meticulous preparation included sending Le Labo shampoo — costing around $60 a bottle — to the team hotel, replacing bed sheets for better sleep, and installing bedroom door covers to reduce light.
Their shirts featured four stripes, symbolizing Europe’s previous away wins.
Every seemingly trivial touch contributed to a mindset of readiness and comfort for his players.
Strategy, Pairings, and Analytics
Donald’s approach wasn’t just about creature comforts. Pairings were carefully calculated with the help of Edoardo Molinari, Europe’s stats guru, who ran his own analytics company.
Decisions like breaking up the Viktor Hovland/Ludvig Aberg duo or pairing Aberg with Matt Fitzpatrick were informed by data and previous Cup performances.
The results spoke for themselves: Europe dominated four of the five sessions, ending with an 11.5 to 4.5 victory.
Even seemingly minor strategic choices — like adjusting hole orders for American players — showcased Donald’s foresight.
While some innovations, like virtual reality headsets, were more playful than practical, they reflected the captain’s relentless pursuit of advantage wherever possible.
Handling the Crowd and Maintaining Composure
The New York atmosphere was brutal, as Donald anticipated.
Fans frequently crossed the line, targeting McIlroy and Lowry with personal abuse, yet the Europeans largely remained unshaken.
For two years, Donald drilled into his team the importance of expecting chaos: by mentally preparing for the worst, even a hostile environment would feel manageable.
McIlroy’s composure on the course, despite the provocation, exemplified this training.
Building Team Spirit
Strong communication and camaraderie also set Europe apart.
Donald frequently contacted players over the past two years, ensuring a sense of cohesion and support.
Team trips, pre-tournament meals, and careful monitoring of personal dynamics reinforced the bond.
Players consistently highlighted the contrast with the Americans, who sometimes struggled to function as a unified unit.
Experience, Skill, and Execution
Of course, Donald also had the advantage of talent: McIlroy, Rahm, Fleetwood, and others brought top-tier skills to the table.
But it wasn’t just raw ability; the blend of strategic preparation, attention to detail, and team unity created the perfect conditions for victory.
From precise pairings to putting dominance — eight European players ranked in the top nine for strokes gained in putting — every element reinforced the winning formula.
The Pyjamas on the Beanbag
By the end of the evening, the celebrations captured in countless social media clips told a story of preparation meeting opportunity.
Donald’s efforts — from early reconnaissance trips to Bethpage to carefully chosen shirt stripes — had paid off.
The team’s chemistry, mental toughness, and meticulous planning culminated in a moment Lowry, McIlroy, and the rest of Europe will remember forever.
Europe’s win, their first away victory in 13 years, wasn’t luck.
It was the sum of genius, strategy, and a commitment to every small detail — all perfectly orchestrated by a captain who now firmly belongs among the legends of British sport.