While Justin Rose may have hit one of the greatest recovery shots in Ryder Cup history in his singles match with Cameron Young, it was another moment from the European on Sunday at Bethpage Black which left his opponent stunned.
Cameron Young was certainly a revelation on his Ryder Cup debut. The winner of the Wyndham Championship delivered full points in his first two matches – and did not see the 17th hole in those victories.
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So it was no surprise that he was sent out first on Sunday. And he was tasked with taking on the evergreen Justin Rose. The Englishman had been sensational alongside Tommy Fleetwood over the first two days.
It proved to be a classic.
Cameron Young could not believe one shot Justin Rose hit at the Ryder Cup
Young appeared to have the match won when he went 3 up on the 12th hole. However, Rose won three of the next four holes to tie things up heading onto the par three 17th. Of course, Rose hit an incredible shot from the trees on 13.
Young went on to win the match with a birdie on the final hole. But it turns out that he was stunned to have that chance to win given that Rose had a 13 foot putt on the previous hole to guarantee at least half a point for Luke Donald‘s men.
Speaking about that experience on Fried Egg Golf, Young admitted that he was preparing for the veteran to complete the comeback.
“Honestly, it was some shock in both directions. Through 12 holes, I felt like I was in complete control. Not that I was getting ahead of myself, but I was just ready to get that match over with. And then by the 17th green, him having a putt to go one up, I couldn’t believe that he missed.
“I went from never thinking I was going to lose, to how on earth am I even going to get half a point? And then thankfully, my ball ended up inside his on 18. Never in a million years did I think I was going to have a putt to win that match at that point.
“I kind of knew his wasn’t going in early. Just the way it started, I could tell it wasn’t breaking. And then at that point, it just hits you the opportunity that you have. I never thought I was going to have to make a putt to win that match. And then all of a sudden, I’d never thought I’d have a putt to win that match.
“It’s sitting there in front of you. I’ve made a lot of those in my head over the years practicing. So it’s pretty cool to have one of those. I’ve never really had one of those in my career like it. I’ve never had a putt to win a tournament. I don’t think I’ve ever had a putt to tie. So it’s just one of those moments that’s so defined.
“The outcome is right in front of you. I hit a really good putt. That’s all I could do. And thankfully, it was my one good read on the back nine.”
Cameron Young reflects on Keegan Bradley sending him out first on Sunday at the Ryder Cup
Young was one of the American players who emerged from that week with plenty of credit. It became clear that among Keegan Bradley‘s baffling decisions that week was the call to sit the 28-year-old out of the first session.
Young arguably knew Bethpage Black better than anyone else on either side. He had also had form on his side. And he quickly made Bradley rue his decision with his subsequent performances.
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The turnaround was complete with Young sent out first on Sunday. And he suggested that he relished having that chance to get Team USA off to the flyer they desperately needed.
“I don’t know if I necessarily expected it, but I wasn’t really surprised either,” he said.
“I had played really well. And even though I didn’t say it, it was a spot that I wanted. I’d been playing some really good golf. I knew we needed points early.
“Selfishly, it’s nice to be put in a place like that because again, it’s just another huge opportunity to do something memorable.
“You hear Justin Rose, I know he’s one of the all-time great Ryder Cup players. He’s a top 10 player in the world, he’s had a great year. And like I said, it’s just a huge opportunity.”
Ultimately, Team USA left themselves with just too much to do to complete the turnaround. However, Young can take huge confidence from the fact that just three players on either side managed to deliver more points.
With that, you can almost pencil Young’s name for the American side at Adare Manor in 2027.
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