The Ryder Cup is famous for its passion, drama, and fiery rivalry, but sometimes, it’s not just the on-course rivalry that captures the headlines. Shane Lowry’s recent Instagram post after Europe’s stunning victory at Bethpage Black proves that the battle off the course can be just as entertaining as the one on it.

Relaxed and confident after Europe’s 15-13 victory over the USA, Lowry posed with the Ryder Cup trophy, dressed in what looked like casual loungewear. But what really caught eyes was the bold text splashed across the photo — a certain fiery quote from none other than U.S. captain Keegan Bradley — “We are going to Bethpage to kick their f**king a**.”And next to it was Lowry’s understated caption that said it all — “Lifelong dream today.”

But this wasn’t just any post. It was a cheeky nod to a moment earlier in the year when Bradley’s bold words sent ripples through the golf world and set the stage for a Ryder Cup showdown. That quote has been a simmering spark all year, ever since Netflix’s Full Swing brought Bradley’s fiery locker-room moment into the spotlight. During one of the episodes aired on the Netflix series, it showcased a rare, candid peek behind the scenes of the Ryder Cup.

There, Bradley, fired up after the 2024 President’s Cup win, confidently declared and tried to set the tone for the Ryder Cup— “We are gonna go to Bethpage to kick their f*cking a**.” The clip instantly became viral, especially for Team Europe, who quickly turned the quote into locker-room fuel.

But Keegan Bradley himself seemed caught off guard by the widespread attention. “I thought I was in a locker room with my team,” he said back then, surprised by how public the moment became. “This was a time that we had just won the Presidents Cup, I was in the locker room, and it was my turn to address the team. And I meant no disrespect. I was speaking more to our guys,” Bradley confessed. Team USA had just won the President’s Cup for the tenth consecutive time, and an event Bradley hadn’t played in ten years.

“But, you know, in the world that we live in, I have got to be more aware that there’s always somebody filming. Again, I meant no disrespect, but we were excited,” Bradley added. “But that’s who I am. That’s me. I’m a pretty excited person. I’m very excited about the Ryder Cup. I think my enthusiasm towards the Ryder Cup showed there. It was meant for our team,” he continued, insisting there was no disrespect meant toward Europe.

Fast forward to Sunday, and the drama unfolded spectacularly. Europe, holding a commanding seven-point lead going into the final day, looked set for a dominant victory. And while Team USA rallied fiercely with an incredible fightback that tightened the contest and sent the tension soaring, it was ultimately Team Europe that took the trophy home.

But while the words fired up plenty of headlines, it was the performance on the course, especially from Shane Lowry, that truly defined the outcome.

Shane Lowry Delivered Europe’s Ryder Cup Triumph

For Shane Lowry, sealing Europe’s Ryder Cup victory was as emotionally charged as his iconic 2019 Open Championship win. The Irishman, known for his deep passion for the Ryder Cup, stepped up when it mattered most on a dramatic final day at Bethpage Black, ensuring Europe retained the trophy on American soil for the first time since 2012.

Europe entered the day with a commanding seven-point lead, but the U.S. staged an incredible fightback, winning four-and-a-half of the first six singles matches. As the pressure mounted and the overall contest hung in the balance, Lowry took center stage. Trailing by one on the final hole, he showed immense composure to sink a decisive seven-foot putt, sending his teammates and the entire European side into a wild celebration.

“I mean, I’ve been so lucky to experience amazing things in this game,” Lowry admitted, tears of joy streaming down his face. “It was the hardest couple of hours of my whole life, honestly. I just can’t believe that putt went in,” he added, after his putt earned the team the much-needed half-point to win. And it sure was hard, as he was constantly heckled at Bethpage by the rowdy fans.

One of eight singles matches to reach the final hole, Lowry birdied three of the last four holes, a testament to his grit and determination — “The Ryder Cup means everything to me. Honestly, I’ve won The Open in Ireland; it’s amazing, it’s a dream come true. But the Ryder Cup for me is everything.”

That unforgettable moment not only secured victory but also etched Lowry’s name forever into Ryder Cup history. It also perfectly captured the joy Lowry shared in his now-famous Instagram post—relaxed, proud, and living out a lifelong dream with the Ryder Cup trophy in hand.