U.S. Team retains Junior Ryder Cup with three-point victory in Europe

The United States Junior Ryder Cup team won its second consecutive trophy Tuesday with a narrow 13 1/2 to 10 1/2 finish at Gleneagles Resort. The U.S. followed its 22-2 rout in 2008 at The Club at Olde Stone in Bowling Green, Ky., with a strong start in foursomes and four-ball on Monday. After falling behind 9 to 3 on the first day, Europe rallied to win six singles matches on Tuesday to close the gap. But thanks to early singles victories from Jordan Spieth of Dallas, Texas; Doris Chen of Bradenton, Fla.; and Justin Thomas of Goshen, Ky., the U.S. victory was secured. "It got a little close out there in the singles matches, but we luckily got them in the foursomes and four-ball matches yesterday," said U.S. Captain M.G. Orender. "I am so thrilled for these kids and they played their hearts out." The U.S. squad was led by Spieth and Chen, who both won all three of their matches. "This was really unbelievable," said Spieth, who also went undefeated in three matches in 2008. "I feel like this team was even stronger than our 2008 team, but the European team was better too, so we really were able to come together and grab the trophy again." Chen, the reigning U.S. Junior Girls' Champion, won three closely contested matches. "I played one shot at a time and didn't get down," said Chen. "This was so much fun and we played well as a team both days." Orender, the 33rd President of The PGA of America, reflected back on the week as a whole. "In my time as a PGA Professional, I don't know of a better experience," said Orender. "They came together this week and I could not be happier." Both teams will travel to The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales, site of the 38th Ryder Cup, where they will compete in the newly created "Friendship Bowl" in which players form the two teams are blended together for a series of nine-hole foursomes matches. About The PGA of America Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion golf industry. By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.