'It's giving me goosebumps' - Europe stars recall Ryder Cup triumph The 2020 Ryder Cup was a tournament unlike any other. Held at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, the biennial clash between Europe and the United States took place a year later than scheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But when it finally went ahead, the drama and emotion on display were as palpable as ever. For Europe's victorious team, the memories of that triumphant week in September 2021 will live long in the mind. In a BBC Radio 5 Live golf special to be aired on 26 December, several of Padraig Harrington's side reflect on their monumental victory over the heavily-fancied American team. "The Ryder Cup is always an incredibly intense experience, but this one felt even more special," said Rory McIlroy, the former world number one who was making his sixth appearance in the event. "There was just an unbelievable energy throughout the whole week, both from our team and the crowds. It's something I'll never forget." McIlroy was one of Europe's star performers, winning three of his five matches as the visitors stormed to a 19-9 victory - their largest ever winning margin in the modern era of the competition. It was a result that few had predicted, with the Americans boasting a star-studded lineup featuring the likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Thomas and world number one Dustin Johnson. "Nobody gave us much of a chance going into the week," explained Tyrrell Hatton, who contributed two crucial points to Europe's cause. "The US team was so strong on paper, with so many of the world's best players. But we just had this incredible team spirit and belief that we could pull it off." That team spirit was evident throughout the week, as Harrington's side rallied together in the face of adversity. On the opening day, they found themselves 3-1 down after the foursomes session, but they hit back emphatically to win the afternoon fourballs 3-1 and level the scores overnight. "That first day was tough, no doubt about it," said Viktor Hovland, the young Norwegian making his Ryder Cup debut. "We knew we had our work cut out against such a powerful American team. But the way the guys responded in the afternoon, getting those vital points on the board, that was when I really started to believe we could do something special." Hovland went on to win three of his four matches over the course of the week, including a crucial singles victory over Daniel Berger on the final day. It was a performance that belied his inexperience, and the 24-year-old was quick to credit the experienced heads around him. "The older guys like Rory, Sergio [Garcia] and Ian [Poulter] were just incredible," he said. "They've been through this so many times before, and they really helped settle the nerves of the younger players. Their leadership was crucial." Indeed, Europe's veteran stars played a vital role in the triumph. Garcia, making a record-equalling 10th Ryder Cup appearance, won four points, while Poulter - the undisputed 'heartbeat' of the team - claimed three crucial wins. "Guys like Sergio and Ian, they just have this unique ability to raise their game for the Ryder Cup," said McIlroy. "You can see how much it means to them, and that's infectious. When you've got experienced winners like that in your team, it gives everyone else such a boost." The final day singles matches provided some of the most memorable moments of the week. With the contest already decided in Europe's favor, the match between Bryson DeChambeau and Sergio Garcia encapsulated the raw emotions of the Ryder Cup. "That was just an unbelievable match," recalled McIlroy. "Bryson and Sergio going head-to-head, both of them absolutely fired up. The noise from the crowd was deafening. I still get goosebumps thinking about it." Garcia prevailed 1-up in a gripping encounter, sealing Europe's triumph in style. For the Spaniard, it was a moment of pure elation - a fitting reward for a player who has dedicated so much of his career to the Ryder Cup cause. "To see Sergio celebrating like that, you could tell just how much it meant to him," said Hatton. "He's been through so many ups and downs in his career, but he's always given everything for the European team. That win was testament to his passion and commitment." As the dust settled on a memorable week, the European players were left with a sense of pride and achievement that will stay with them forever. For McIlroy, in particular, the victory held special significance after a difficult few years. "This Ryder Cup was massive for me," he explained. "I'd struggled with my form a bit in the lead-up, and there were questions about whether I still had what it takes. To be able to contribute to such a dominant win, and see the team come together the way we did, it was just the most incredible feeling." The scale of Europe's triumph was reflected in the record-breaking nature of the result. Their 19-9 victory margin was the largest since the modern Ryder Cup format was introduced in 1979, surpassing the previous best of 18.5-9.5 set by the United States in 1981. "When you look at the stats, it's just unbelievable," said Hatton. "To beat a team of that caliber so convincingly, it's something we're all immensely proud of. It's a result that will live long in the memory of European golf fans." As the players look back on their Ryder Cup heroics, there is a shared sense that the 2021 edition will be remembered as one of the great European triumphs. In the face of adversity and against the odds, Harrington's side produced a performance for the ages - and the goosebumps felt by the players are sure to be echoed by fans for years to come.