The comeback that almost was: Team USA’s incredible rally on the final day of the Ryder Cup was one for the ages

There was a moment – a long, bewildering, incredible moment – when it seemed possible.

Team USA entered the final day of the Ryder Cup facing a massive seven-point deficit, the largest in this tournament since it took on its current format in 1979. The team trailed 11.5-4.5 after two full days of competition and the Europeans only needed two-and-a-half points to retain the trophy.

There was no hope. There was no chance. And then, in what seemed like a blink of an eye on Sunday afternoon, everything changed.

“They were fighting the whole way, even when things were not looking good, and I didn’t expect anything different today from these guys,” said Keegan Bradley, the captain of Team USA, “who are determined, proud, and playing for each other, playing for their team, playing for their country, and they showed the world today that, really, anything is possible.”

Hometown hero Cameron Young won his match against Justin Rose, who had played sterling golf the day before and looked untouchable. Bryson DeChambeau stormed back from a five-hole deficit to steal a half-point from Matt Fitzpatrick. Justin Thomas, who looked hopelessly lost on Friday morning, sank a putt on the 18th hole to defeat the seemingly invincible Tommy Fleetwood.