Inside Europe's Ryder Cup celebrations - Booze, dressing room songs and Donald Trump jibe
Team Europe popped the Champagne, enjoyed raucous celebrations with their fans and aimed a cheeky chant at Donald Trump before partying into the night following their Ryder Cup success
After a weekend of being on the receiving end of abuse, Team Europe's victorious players were ready to let loose on Sunday night. Having made history at Bethpage Black, Luke Donald's players did not hold back.
It was a shaky ending on the final day as Team USA dominated the singles. But the damage had already been done and Europe's 15-13 win left the home supporters unhappy and ensured the visiting fans had the bragging rights.
Victory in Rome two years ago was momentous, but this was something else. Coming on enemy territory and with a hostile crowd frequently crossing the line by using personal abuse, taunts during a player's swing and throwing objects, it made the winning moment all the sweeter.
Europe's star player Rory McIlroy summed it up when asked how it felt to land his iron shot perfectly on the green after telling the crowd to "shut the f*** up". He replied: “Very f****** satisfying.” That press conference was done with cans of Stella Artois alongside, but Champagne was the drink of choice.
READ MORE: How the 2025 Ryder Cup was won: Three crucial moves Europe made to ensure victoryREAD MORE: Rory McIlroy blasts 'unacceptable' Ryder Cup abuse in emotional tribute to wife Erica StollNot that much of it was consumed. Star player McIlroy, who won 3.5 points for his team, and captain Donald, who has now masterminded back-to-back wins, were among those to get drenched in Champagne. McIlroy's close friend Shane Lowry was one of just two undefeated players over the weekend and he was among those to let loose.
The Irishman posted a photo of himself lying back holding the Ryder Cup trophy while wearing a full Team Europe blue outfit, complete with branded trainers, along with the caption: "Life long dream today". It was the background that made the shot, though, with a quote from American captain Keegan Bradley on the wall behind reading: "We are going to go to Bethpage to kick their f***ing ass."
Clearly that quote had been used as motivation and, having come back to bite the home team, it was thrown back in their faces on Sunday.
After the sun had gone down, and the home fans had disappeared, the Europe supporters were treated to raucous celebrations. Champagne was sprayed far and wide before each player took it in turns to whip up the fans. Jon Rahm shared a giant group hug with fans who serenaded him with a chant of Olé, Olé, Olé.
Lowry made sure the Champagne wasn't just for soaking his team-mates, turning it towards fans, before Matt Fitzpatrick took his turn in the limelight. Once back inside the confines of the dressing room, there was one video the team wanted to get out there.
With McIlroy holding the phone selfie-style, the team - led by Justin Rose - burst into a rendition of "Are you watching Donald Trump?" as their own Donald held up the trophy, the team around him all with massive grins on their face.
The party continued in the coach on the way back to the hotel, with Gala's Freed From Desire, a staple of the post-win scenes in any sport, front and centre. With the lyrics easily changed to "Europe's on fire, USA is terrified", it went down a treat as the players slapped the seats to the beat.
Lowry also led another altered rendition of a classic, changing the words of Zombie by The Cranberries to good effect: "He's in your head, in your head, Rory, Rory, Rory!". Having been the lightning rod of abuse all weekend, McIlroy lapped it up.
Speaking earlier about the abuse he and his wife Erica had been forced to deal with, McIlroy concluded: "We're going to have a good time celebrating tonight.” And as he stepped off the coach carrying a bottle of Champagne, he seemed to be making good on that promise.
No doubt the celebrations went on into the night in New York.