History Of The Ryder Cup

Whistling Straits, Milwaukee, United States

Europe

19 - 9

USA

It was dubbed the Slaughter by the Water - a humbling for Europe as their Ryder Cup hopes sank on the shores of Lake Michigan. Maybe the absence of most European fans at Whistling Straits in September 2021 due to the pandemic had some effect on their team’s lacklustre performance in Wisconsin.

Inevitably, the post-tournament inquest focussed on why a devastated Europe were so poor during a week when several Ryder Cup records fell.

A clue could be that the USA team boasted eight of the world/'s top 10 players, illustrating the size of the task facing their opponents before a ball was even struck on the opening day.

It goes without saying that Europe's large and loyal supporter base will be cheering on their heroes more loudly than ever before when the revenge mission gets under way at the next Ryder Cup in Rome in 2023.

At least Europe can count on that much-needed encouragement from the galleries after the 19-9 defeat suffered by captain Padraig Harrington and his players at the 43rd edition of the Ryder Cup.

As with every edition of the Ryder Cup, new blood will undoubtedly be brought into the team after Europe endured their heaviest defeat in the competition/'s history.

The USA beat Europe in four out of the five sessions and almost made it a clean sweep after sharing the second set of fourballs 2-2.

Europe struggled to comprehend the scale of the defeat, the hurt felt deeply by Rory McIlroy who had been left out of a session/'s play for the first time in his Ryder Cup career.

An emotional Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter may possibly have reached the end of the Ryder Cup playing days, although for both European stalwarts a well-deserved captaincy role surely beckons.

For once, Europe were left bruised and battered and their fervent fans will believe the scars have healed by Rome 2023 when they can be there in force again to get behind their team.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes Morning:

J Rahm & S Garcia beat J Thomas & J Spieth (3&1)
P Casey & V Hovland lost to D Johnson & C Morikawa (3&2)
L Westwood & M Fitzpatrick lost to B Koepka & D Berger (2&1)
R McIloy & I Poulter lost to P Cantlay & X Schauffele (5&3)

Four-ball Afternoon:

B Wiesberger & P Casey lost to D Johnson & X Schauffele (2&1)
J Rahm & T Hatton halved with S Scheffler & B DeChambeau
R McIlroy & S Lowry lost to H English & T Finau (4&3)
T Fleetwood & V Hovland halved with J Thomas & P Cantlay

Saturday

Foursomes Morning:

J Rahm & S Garcia beat B Koepka & D Berger (3&1)
P Casey & T Hatton lost to D Johnson & C Morikawa (2&1)
V Hovland & B Wiesberger lost to J Thomas & J Spieth (two up)
L Westwood & M Fitzpatrick lost to X Schauffele & P Cantlay (2&1)

Four-ball Afternoon:

S Lowry & T Hatton beat T Finau & H English (one up)
J Rahm & S Garcia beat B Koepka & J Spieth (2&1)
T Fleetwood & V Hovland lost to S Scheffler & B DeChambeau (3&1)
I Poulter & R McIlroy lost to D Johnson & C Morikawa (4&3)

Sunday

Singles:

R McIlroy beat X Schauffele (3&2)
S Lowry lost to P Cantlay (4&2)
J Rahm lost to X Scheffler (4&3)
S Garcia lost to B DeChambeau (3&2)
V Hovland halved with C Morikawa
P Casey lost to D Johnson (one up)
B Wiesberger lost to B Koepka (2&1)
I Poulter beat T Finau (3&2)
T Hatton lost to J Thomas (4&3)
L Westwood beat H English (one up)
T Fleetwood halved with J Spieth
M Fitzpatrick lost to D Berger (one up)

Le Golf National, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines

Europe

17 1/2 - 10 1/2

USA

A 'Moliwood' bromance inspired Europe to an emphatic victory in the 2018 Ryder Cup.

The special bond formed between Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood helped destroy the United States by 17½-10½ points.

The all-conquering 'Moliwood' pair became the first European partnership to win four out of four games at Le Golf National.

A friendship formed in the locker room and on the fairways underlined the indomitable spirit within the European team.

A stark contrast to the gloom which enveloped the American squad with their likeable captain Jim Furyk admitting his team had been outplayed.

The USA suffered their second biggest setback in the history of the Ryder Cup and have now lost six straight times in Europe dating back to 1997.

Within hours of the result, the 'Moliwood' mood was captured perfectly when Molinari and Fleetwood starred in a humorous promotional video, waking up in bed together with the Ryder Cup in between.

It was captain Thomas Bjorn's girlfriend Grace who informed the pair of their 'Moliwood' nickname at the team dinner on the Friday night.

The tag quickly spread among partisan home supporters in the 70,000-strong galleries thronging the Albatros course in the Paris suburbs. 'Moliwood' even had its own social media account.

Tiger Woods was on the receiving end of the pair's heroics on three occasions, while other scalps included Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed.

Fleetwood described his winning Ryder Cup debut as 'amazing', adding that to achieve such success along one of his best mates was the stuff of dreams.

Molinari made history as the first European to win five points in a single Ryder Cup, completing a fairytale year for the Italian who was Open champion at Carnoustie two months earlier.

The moment Europe crossed the winning line came when Molinari beat Phil Mickelson in the singles. He was immediately soaked in beer by jubilant fans and said it 'meant more than winning majors.'

Team-mate Sergio Garcia also carved his name into golfing folklore as he defeated Rickie Fowler to overtake Sir Nick Faldo as the Ryder Cup's leading points scorer with 25½.

The Americans went into the singles trailing 10-6 but threatened a comeback when they secured three wins and a half out of the first five matches. Indeed, the clash between Paul Casey and Brooks Koepka was the only one of the 28 matches to end all square.

Europe had started the 42nd edition of the Ryder Cup as underdogs, with the USA dozen boasting 31 major titles between them and 11 of the world's top 17 in their ranks.

However, only three of their team had played a competitive round at the home of the French Open until that week, a lack of preparation which ultimately took its toll.

In contrast, the Europeans had played in excess of 200 rounds on the tight fairways and looked far more comfortable.

It was another dismal Ryder Cup for Woods who failed to register a point from his four matches.

For Europe, though, another memorable occasion. Roll on 2020...

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

H Stenson & J Rose beat D Johnson & R Fowler (3&2)
I Poulter & R McIlroy beat B Watson & W Simpson (4&2)
S Garcia & A Noren beat P Mickelson & B DeChambeau (5&4)
F Molinari & T Fleetwood beat J Thomas & J Spieth (5&4)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

J Rose & J Rahm lost to T Finau & B Koepka (one hole)
R McIlroy & T Olesen lost to D Johnson & R Fowler (4&2)
P Casey & T Hatton lost to J Thomas & J Spieth (one hole)
F Molinari & T Fleetwood beat T Woods & P Reed (3&2)

Saturday

Foursomes: Morning:

H Stenson & J Rose beat D Johnson & B Koepka (2&1)
S Garcia & A Noren lost to B Watson & W Simpson (3&2)
F Molinari & T Fleetwood beat T Woods & B DeChambeau (5&4)
I Poulter & R McIlroy lost to J Thomas & J Spieth (4&3)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

S Garcia & R McIlroy beat T Finau & B Koepka (2&1)
P Casey & T Hatton beat D Johnson & R Fowler (3&2)
F Molinari & T Fleetwood beat T Woods & P Reed (4&3)
I Poulter & J Rahm lost to J Thomas & J Spieth (2&1)

Sunday

Singles:

R McIlroy lost to J Thomas (one hole)
P Casey halved with B Koepka
J Rose lost to W Simpson (3&2)
J Rahm beat T Woods (2&1)
T Fleetwood lost to T Finau (6&4)
I Poulter beat D Johnson (two up)
T Olesen beat J Spieth (5&4)
S Garcia beat R Fowler (2&1)
F Molinari beat P Mickelson (4&2)
T Hatton lost to P Reed (3&2)
H Stenson beat B Watson (5&4)
A Noren beat B DeChambeau (one hole)

Hazeltine

Europe

11 - 17

USA

The death of Arnold Palmer on the eve of the Ryder Cup cast a shadow over proceedings at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota. Fittingly, the 41st edition became a tribute to this much-loved sporting icon who won 22 Ryder Cup matches for the United States.

Maybe Palmer was looking down and smiling on the Stars and Stripes, the great man perhaps even hinting that an American victory over Europe was just the result this competition required. Such an outcome was no bad thing in terms of bringing equality and fresh impetus to what had become a one-sided contest in modern times. The US triumph, by a margin of 17-11, was certainly long overdue and a sweet moment for captain Davis Love who had been on the receiving end four years earlier when his side allowed victory to slip from their grasp at Medinah.

It was America's largest win in 35 years and only their second in eight matches, while Europe had failed to lift the Cup for an unprecedented fourth successive time under the captaincy of Darren Clarke. That America helped redress the balance, aided by all 12 of their players delivering a point, was of scant consolation to the Ulsterman. His preparations were disrupted by ill-timed inflammatory remarks from the brother of Masters champion Danny Willett who had apologised for his sibling's critical article about Americans. Three losses from three games just about summed up Willett's week.

The damage was done on the first morning when the US completed a clean sweep of the foursomes. Europe's deficit had been trimmed to three points going into the final day singles, though it could have been better from their perspective had Lee Westwood not faltered with missed putts on the last two holes on Saturday evening.

Europe looked set for a Medinah-style comeback when they led in seven of the 12 singles matches but eventually the scoreboards were awash with red thanks largely to the Americans' superior putting. Clarke had front-loaded his singles order to try to seize the initiative, hoping to provide the momentum his later starters could feed off. The plan worked initially as Europe narrowed the lead to just one point. But Europe's final six players, including four rookies, were overwhelmed and took just a single point between them.

Ryan Moore was two down with three to play against Westwood but fought back to take the match and seal the Ryder Cup. The US had been inspired by Patrick Reed who emerged triumphant in a classic duel with Rory McIlroy. Remarkably, the pair were both five under par after eight holes, pure theatre which enthralled the huge galleries.

The European inquest would have included an honourable mention for Thomas Pieters. The Belgian thrived under the pressure of an overseas Ryder Cup to win four of his five matches, the first European debutant in history to take home such a haul.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

J Rose & H Stenson lost to J Spieth and P Reed (3&2)
R McIlroy & A Sullivan lost to P Mickelson & R Fowler (one hole)
M Kaymer & S Garcia lost to Z Johnson & J Walker (4&2)
L Westwood & T Pieters lost to D Johnson & M Kuchar (5&4)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

J Rose & H Stenson beat J Spieth & P Reed (5&4)
S Garcia & R Cabrera-Bello beat JB Holmes & R Moore (3&2)
D Willett & M Kaymer lost to B Snedeker & B Koepka (5&4)
T Pieters & R McIlroy beat D Johnson & M Kuchar (3&2)

Saturday

Foursomes: Morning:

R McIlroy & T Pieters beat R Fowler & P Mickelson (4&2)
H Stenson & M Fitzpatrick lost to B Snedeker & B Koepka (3&2)
J Rose & C Wood beat J Walker & Z Johnson (one hole)
S Garcia and R Cabrera-Bello halved with J Spieth & P Reed

Fourballs: Afternoon:

R McIlroy & T Pieters beat B Koepka and D Johnson (3&1)
D Willett and L Westwood lost to JB Holmes & R Moore (one hole)
M Kaymer & S Garcia lost to P Mickelson & M Kuchar (2&1)
J Rose & H Stenson lost to P Reed & J Spieth (2&1)

Sunday

Singles:

R McIlroy lost to P Reed (one hole)
H Stenson beat J Spieth (3&2)
T Pieters beat JB Holmes (3&2)
J Rose lost to R Fowler (one hole)
R Cabrera-Bello beat J Walker (3&2)
S Garcia halved with P Mickelson
L Westwood lost to R Moore (one hole)
A Sullivan lost to B Snedeker (3&1)
C Wood lost to D Johnson (one hole)
D Willett lost to B Koepka (5&4)
M Kaymer beat M Kuchar (one hole)
M Fitzpatrick lost to Z Johnson (4&3)

Gleneagles, Scotland

Europe

16 1/2 - 11 1/2

USA

The Ryder Cup made a long-awaited return to the home of golf after an absence of more than 40 years as Europe tasted success yet again. A third consecutive triumph underlined their dominance over a United States side which launched an immediate inquest following another demoralising defeat. It meant that Europe had won eight out of the last 10 contests, much to the delight of the Gleneagles galleries.

The Ryder Cup made a long-awaited return to the home of golf after an absence of more than 40 years as Europe tasted success yet again. A third consecutive triumph underlined their dominance over a United States side which launched an immediate inquest following another demoralising defeat. It meant that Europe had won eight out of the last 10 contests, much to the delight of the Gleneagles galleries.

'Can we play you every week?' taunted fans in Scotland as the 40th staging of this competition proved as compelling as ever. Two of the heroes behind this latest triumph were an Irishman and a Welshman - skipper Paul McGinley, who led the European team with distinction, and the unheralded Jamie Donaldson, who secured his place in history by sinking the decisive putt. McGinley joined a select band of players who have played and captained victorious Ryder Cup teams, the Dubliner having holed the all-important putt that sealed the trophy at The Belfry back in 2002.

He pulled off a masterstroke here by inviting one of Scotland's iconic sporting figures Sir Alex Ferguson to give a pep talk to the squad on the eve of the competition. The former Manchester United manager gave such a rousing speech that the European players must have felt they were already 1-0 up before a ball was struck in anger. Donaldson, a 38-year-old Welsh rookie, was playing in the 10th match of the singles and made sure his team got over the finishing line with a stunning approach to the 15th green which was greeted with wild scenes of euphoria.

It sealed a 4&3 victory over Keegan Bradley after Europe led 10-6 going into the final day, a lead they were determined not to relinquish. The battle of the big young guns had seen Rory McIlroy overcome Rickie Fowler by a convincing 5&4 margin while Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell had also shown the way forward by overturning a three-hole deficit to beat Jordan Spieth 2&1. Bubba Watson lost 4&2 to Martin Kaymer and Justin Rose came from four down to scrape a half which left the Americans on the verge of defeat before Donaldson struck for his moment of glory.

For the US captain Tom Watson, who had enjoyed so many memorable moments north of the border during a stellar career, it was a chastening experience. His troops had started well going into the lead after the opening day fourballs but the afternoon foursomes were a turning point as Europe assumed control taking an encouraging 5-3 lead going into Saturday. The foursomes were also decisive on day two as Europe dropped only half a point dominating that session to further increase their lead. Europe won the singles 6 and a half to 5 and a half with Sergio Garcia among their winners and it was not long before the recriminations began in the away camp.

The US will be determined to avoid a fourth successive loss at Hazeltine in 2016, something which has never happened before in the rich history of The Ryder Cup. The hosts will look to players like Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed for inspiration. They became the youngest American pairing in the history of the competition at Gleneagles, defeating Ian Poulter and Stephen Gallacher 5&4. Spieth and Reed had a combined age of 45 while the youngest pair in Ryder Cup history are Mark James and Ken Brown in 1977 with a combined age of 43.

The scoring

Friday

Fourballs: Morning:

J Rose & H Stenson beat B Watson and W Simpson (5&4)
T Bjorn & M Kaymer halved with R Fowler & J Walker
S Gallacher & I Poulter lost to J Spieth & P Reed (5&4)
S Garcia & R McIlroy lost to K Bradley & P Mickelson (one hole)

Foursomes: Afternoon:

J Donaldson & L Westwood beat J Furyk & M Kuchar (two up)
J Rose & H Stenson beat H Mahan & Z Johnson (2&1)
R McIlroy & S Garcia halved with J Walker & R Fowler
V Dubuisson & G McDowell beat P Mickelson & K Bradley (3&2)

Saturday

Fourballs: Morning:

J Rose & H Stenson beat B Watson & M Kuchar (3&2)
J Donaldson & L Westwood lost to J Furyk & H Mahan (4&3)
T Bjorn & M Kaymer lost to P Reed & J Spieth (5&3)
R McIlroy & I Poulter halved with J Walker & R Fowler

Foursomes: Afternoon:

J Donaldson & L. Westwood beat Z Johnson & M Kuchar (2&1)
S Garcia & R McIlroy beat J Furyk & H Mahan (3&2)
M Kaymer & J Rose halved with J Spieth & P Reed
V Dubuisson & G McDowell beat J Walker & R Fowler (5&4)

Sunday

Singles:

G McDowell beat J Spieth (2&1)
H Stenson lost to P Reed (one hole)
R McIlroy beat R Fowler (5&4)
J Rose halved with H Mahan
S Gallacher lost to P Mickelson (3&1)
M Kaymer beat B Watson (4&2)
T Bjorn lost to M Kuchar (4&3)
S Garcia beat J Furyk (one hole)
I Poulter halved with W Simpson
J Donaldson beat K Bradley (4&3)
L Westwood lost to J Walker (3&2)
V Dubuisson halved with Z Johnson

Medinah Country Club, Medinah, United States

Europe

14 1/2 - 13 1/2

USA

It was dubbed the Miracle of Medinah and there was good reason to suspect this extraordinary result might well have been made in heaven. The architect of one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history was undoubtedly European captain Jose Maria Olazabal who led his team to a thrilling victory. He dedicated the win to fellow Spaniard Seve Ballesteros who was probably watching from the skies as Europe secured a fitting tribute to his late friend.

Ballesteros did much to revive the competition and the European players wore his trademark navy blue and white on the final day in Chicago. Self-belief was certainly a key as a United States side on the threshold of regaining the coveted trophy caved in dramatically on home soil to leave their captain Davis Love III in despair.

Europe were trailing 10-4 at one point on the Saturday afternoon and were 10-6 behind going into the singles shoot-out. Their preparations were not helped when talisman Rory McIlroy overslept after confusing his tee time which meant he was still at the team hotel with just 25 minutes to go. Thanks to a police escort he eventually reached the course 10 minutes before he was due to tee off and made up for lost time with a brilliant display to defeat Keegan Bradley.

Europe had begun the singles session needing eight points to retain the cup and a relieved Luke Donald had given them a flying start by securing the first point against Bubba Watson. Ian Poulter typified the fighting spirit within the European ranks and recovered from two down after four holes against Webb Simpson, one of America's brightest talents, to secure another precious point. Poulter had been in scintillating form all week and this was his fourth point underlining just how much he relishes The Ryder Cup stage.

The US were faltering badly as the European charge gathered momentum and the points just kept coming. Brandt Snedeker was hammered 5&3 by Paul Lawrie and the Europeans landed a mighty blow when Justin Rose came from one down on the 16th to beat Phil Mickelson.

A long-range sliding putt by Rose at 17 to go all square was followed by a birdie on the last, a trend which saw the collapse of Jim Furyk against Sergio Garcia. Lee Westwood put Europe 13-12 up, overcoming Matt Kuchar 3&2 before Jason Dufner saw off Peter Hanson to level the match. It meant the score was 13-13 with two matches - both all square - left on the course. None of the players still in action - Martin Kaymer, Steve Stricker, Francesco Molinari and Tiger Woods - had won a single point between them all week. Amid unbearable tension, Stricker three-putted on the 17th to give Kaymer a crucial one-hole lead in the penultimate match.

The German then showed ice-cool composure at the last, holing an eight-foot putt to seal an astonishing triumph. The packed home galleries were in stunned silence and could scarcely believe what they had witnessed. Their agony was completed when Tiger Woods blew two putts from within eight feet to give Francesco Molinari a half point and with it overall victory to the Europeans.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

R McIlroy & G McDowell beat J Gurky & B Snedeker (one hole)
L Donald & S Garcia lost to P Mickelson & K Bradley (4&3)
L Westwood & F Molinari lost to J Dufner & Z Johnson (3&2)
I Poulter & J Rose beat T Woods & S Stricker (2&1)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

P Lawrie & P Hanson lost to B Watson & W Simpson (5&4)
R McIlroy & G McDowell lost to P Mickelson & K Bradley (2&1)
J Rose & M Laymer lost to D Johnson & M Kuchar (3&2)
L Westwood & N Colsaerts beat T Woods & S Stricker (one hole)

Saturday

Foursomes: Morning:

J Rose & I Poulter beat B Watson & W Simpson (one hole)
L Westwood & L Donald lost to K Bradley & P Mickelson (7&6)
N Colsaerts & S Garcia lost to J Dufner & Z Johnson (2&1)
R McIlroy & G McDowell lost to J Furyk & B Snedeker (one hole)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

N Colsaerts & P Lawrie lost to D Johnson & M Kuchar (one hole)
J Rose & F Molinari lost to B Watson & W Simpson (5&4)
S Garcia & L Donald beat T Woods & S Stricker (one hole)
R McIlroy & I Poulter beat J Dufner & Z Johnson (one hole)

Sunday

Singles:

L Donald beat B Watson (2&1)
I Poulter beat W Simpson (2 up)
R McIlroy beat K Bradley (2&1)
J Rose beat P Mickelson (one hole)
P Lawrie beat B Snedeker (5&3)
N Colsaerts lost to D Johnson (3&2)
G McDowell lost to Z Johnson (2&1)
S Garcia beat J Furyk (one hole)
P Hanson lost to J Dufner (2 up)
L Westwood beat M Kuchar (3&2)
M Kaymer beat S Stricker (one hole)
F Molinari halved with T Woods

Celtic Manor, Newport, Wales

Europe

14 1/2 - 13 1/2

USA

Graeme McDowell won The Ryder Cup for Europe after a Celtic Manor Resort classic that crowned Captain Colin Montgomerie's golfing career. US Open Championship winner McDowell's 3&1 victory over Hunter Mahan gave Europe a dramatic 14 1/2 to 13 1/2 triumph over the United States to regain the trophy.

Not since 1991 at Kiawah Island had The Ryder Cup been decided in such breathtaking fashion by the last of 12 singles matches. A brilliant putt by McDowell on the 16th left Mahan needing to win the last two holes for a half that would have denied Europe, but Mahan scuffed his second shot after firing short of the green off the tee on the par three 17th. That meant that at worst McDowell needed to get down in two from the edge of the green under unbearable pressure in front of 35,000 fans, but Mahan then missed his putt, conceded the match, and Europe began wild celebrations.

For a tearful Montgomerie, the most remarkable of Ryder Cup wins was a fitting tribute to a Ryder Cup legend. But Corey Pavin's United States Team pushed Europe to the limit, taking the singles by a 7-5 scoreline after trailing 9-1/2 - 6-1/2 overnight.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson - World Number One and Three players - finally found their form to claim emphatic victories over Francesco Molinari and Peter Hanson, respectively.

Europe though, prevailed thanks to wins by McDowell, Luke Donald, Ian Poulter and Miguel Angel Jiménez, plus the priceless halves gained by Rory McIlroy and Edoardo Molinari. McDowell was immediately submerged by his team-mates, Captain and assistant captains on the 18th green, while a bumper crowd that had gathered for The Ryder Cup's first Monday conclusion began taking it all in.

"I'm so proud, very proud moment for us all here in Europe," said the victorious Captain. "We all played to a man magnificently, we all gave a 110 per cent, and that's all I could ask. Obviously one game came down to a lot of, and they will want to talk about it, but every player, playing how well they did they played magnificent, all 12. I knew I had a great 12, I knew I did." "I just had to rely on certain people at certain times, and all credit to Eddie Molinari, to be up 3 up in the first place was fantastic, and the way Rickie Fowler finished, and Graeme McDowell was put there for a good reason, he's full of confidence and that showed. That birdie on 16 was just quite unbelievable, quite unbelievable."

The scoring

Friday

Fourballs: Session 1:

L Westwood & M Kaymer beat P Mickelson & D Johnson (3&2)
R McIlroy & G McDowell halved with S Cink & M Kuchar
I Poulter & R Fisher lost to S Stricker & T Woods (two up)
L Donald & P Harrington lost to B Watson & J Overton (3&2)

Foursomes: Session 2:

M Jimenez & P Hanson lost to T Woods & S Stricker (4&3)
E Molinari & F Molinari lost to Z Johnson & H Mahan (two up)
L Westwood & M Kaymer halved with J Furyk & R Fowler
P Harrington & R Fisher beat P Mickelson & D Johnson (3&2)
I Poulter & L Donald beat B Watson & J Overton (2&1)
R McIlroy & G McDowell lost to S Cink & M Kuchar (one hole)

Saturday

Foursomes: Session 3:

L Donald & L Westwood beat S Stricker & T Woods (6&5)
G McDowell & R McIlroy beat Z Johnson & H Mahan (3&1)

Fourballs: Session 3:

P Harrington & R Fisher beat J Furyk & D Johnson (2&1)
P Hanson & M Jimenez beat B Watson & J Overton (two up)
E Molinari & F Molinari halved with S Cink & M Kuchar
I Poulter & M Kaymer beat P Mickelson & R Fowler (2&1)

Sunday

Singles:

L Westwood lost to S Stricker (2&1)
R McIlroy halved With S Cink
L Donald beat J Furyk (one hole)
M Kaymer lost to D Johnson (6&4)
I Poulter beat M Kuchar (5&4)
R Fisher lost to J Overton (3&2)
M Jimenez beat B Watson (4&3)
F Molinari lost to T Woods (4&3)
E Molinari halved with R Fowler
P Hanson lost to P Mickelson
P Harrington lost to Z Johnson (3&2)
G McDowell beat H Mahan (3&1)

Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Europe

11 1/2 - 16 1/2

USA

The United States won The Ryder Cup for the first time since 1999, ending a run of three successive victories for Europe, after an epic encounter at Valhalla Golf Club. Jim Furyk secured the winning point, defeating Miguel Angel Jiménez on the 17th green to take the US total to an insurmountable 14 ½ points.

Victory in the top match by Anthony Kim over Sergio Garcia set the tone and while Paul Casey secured a battling half with Hunter Mahan and Robert Karlsson and Justin Rose both delivered for Europe, defeating Justin Leonard and Phil Mickelson, the next four matches all went the United States's way. The two Kentuckians played their part, Kenny Perry getting the better of Henrik Stenson 3 & 2 and J B Holmes holding off Soren Hansen 2&1. Boo Weekley was also sensational in beating Oliver Wilson 4&2.

But the end came when Furyk safely parred the 17th hole. Jiménez had the chance from 25 feet to extend the match for another hole but the putt for birdie slipped by and the US celebrations could begin.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

P Harrington & R Karlsson halved with P Mickelson & A Kim
H Stenson & P Casey lost to J Leonard & H Mahan (3&2)
J Rose & I Poulter lost to S Cink & C Campbell (one hole)
L Westwood & S Garcia halved with K Perry & J Furyk

Fourballs: Afternoon:

P Harrington & G McDowell lost to P Mickelson & A Kim (two up)
I Poulter & J Rose beat S Stricker & B Curtis (4&2)
S Garcia & M Jimenez lost to J Leonard & H Mahan (4&3)
L Westwood & S Hansen halved with J Holmes & B Weekley

Saturday

Foursomes: Morning:

I Poulter & J Rose beat S Cink & C Campbell (4&3)
M Jimenez & G McDowell halved with J Leonard & H Mahan
H Stenson & O Wilson beat P Mickelson & A Kim (2&1)
P Harrington & R Karlsson lost to J Furyk & K Perry (3&1)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

L Westwood & S Hansen lost to B Weekley & J Holmes (2&1)
S Garcia & P Casey halved with B Curtis & S Stricker
I Poulter & G McDowell beat K Perry & J Furyk (one hole)
H Stenson & R Karlsson halved with P Mickelson & H Mahan

Sunday

Singles:

S Garcia lost to A Kim (5&4)
P Casey halved with H Mahan
R Karlsson beat J Leonard (5&3)
J Rose beat P Mickelson (3&2)
H Stenson lost to K Perry (3&2)
O Wilson lost to B Weekley (4&2)
S Hansen lost to J Holmes (2&1)
M Jimenez lost to J Furyk (2&1)
G McDowell beat S Cink (2&1)
I Poulter beat S Stricker (3&2)
L Westwood lost to B Curtis (2&1)
P Harrington lost to C Campbell (2&1)

The K Club, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Europe

18 1/2 - 9 1/2

USA

They said it couldn’t be done. Not again. Especially not on a course that was designed by an American and suited the style of their players. But to the backdrop of arguably the most emotionally-charged scenes ever witnessed at a golf tournament, Europe won The 2006 Ryder Cup at The K Club by exactly the margin of two years ago, 18½ points to 9½.

Inspired by Captain Ian Woosnam and with two commanding on-course leaders in Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie, Europe dominated the USA from the first drive on Friday morning to Lee Westwood’s final long iron onto the 18th green in the late afternoon sunshine on Sunday. It was another resounding victory and an emphatic statement about the high quality of golf on The European Tour. Each one of the 12 European players contributed to the points tally during the first two days of fourballs and foursomes, and when it came to the singles on Sunday, they expressed their considerable individual talents to win the session by 8½ points to 3½.

Along the way there was enough drama to keep Hollywood in business for years. The story unfolded, as it has done in so many Ryder Cups, with Colin Montgomerie. Sent out by Woosnam at the top of the order and charged with the task of setting an example for those to follow, the Scotsman made a nerve-racking up-and-down birdie from a bunker at the 18th to close out a one hole win over David Toms, and in the process extend his amazing unbeaten run to eight singles matches. It was first blood to Europe and from there they never looked back.

Paul Casey, a 2 & 1 winner over Jim Furyk, and David Howell, a 5 & 4 victor over Brett Wetterich, brought back two more points to offset Robert Karlsson’s 3 & 2 defeat to Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia’s 4 & 3 reversal to a hugely impressive Stewart Cink. England’s Luke Donald, playing in the fifth match out, was the man who ensured Europe retained the trophy when he completed a 2 & 1 victory over Chad Campbell on the 17th green. Moments later, another of the strong quite types in Woosnam’s camp, Henrik Stenson, sunk the winning putt from seven feet on the 15th. At exactly the same time as the Swede was raising his putter in triumph, Clarke, the people’s hero, was playing his approach into the 16th with the comfort of a three hole lead.

The massive crowds around the green gave the Irishman, who was about to complete an emotionally-charged return to the golfing arena following the death of his wife Heather, a deafening reception that echoed across the whole of the Palmer Course.

Clarke lagged his putt up to the hole and when Zach Johnson failed to convert his birdie effort, the American lifted Clarke’s marker and conceded the match 3 & 2. The celebrations that followed were unforgettable. Clarke broke down in tears and was showered in hugs from Woosnam, USA Captain Tom Lehman and Tiger Woods, among others, while thousands more fans ran up the fairway to be part of the vocal party. For many it was the perfect ending to the first Ryder Cup in Ireland, but there were still four games to finish.

Another Irishman, Paul McGinley, halved with JJ Henry and then Spanish Ryder Cup veteran José Maria Olazábal defeated World Number Two Phil Mickelson 2 & 1. Padraig Harrington, in the anchor match, could do nothing as Scott Verplank holed in one at the par three 14th, before finally losing 4 & 3 on the next green. The overall score was now 17½ - 9½ with Westwood two-up against Chris DiMarco in the last match out on the course. DiMarco, an Italian-American who never knows when he is beaten, managed to win the 17th to send the match down the last, where his fist-pumping adrenalin finally got the better of him.

In trying to reach the green in two, DiMarco pulled his approach into the water. Westwood, who was struggling with illness, knocked a long iron onto the putting surface but still his opponent was in no mood to concede. However, when DiMarco found the water for a second time the hole was conceded to the Englishman and then, with all the European players reunited, the champagne started to flow. While Woosnam, his players and their caddies sprayed Moet & Chandon from the balcony of the Palmer Course clubhouse and down onto the jubilant crowd below, the truth was that the enduring image of this memorable contest had come some time earlier at the 16th. Woosie had lifted the arm of a tearful Clarke into the air, in the manner of a winning boxer. It was a hugely symbolic moment, for Clarke had proven to the watching world that he was one of life’s great fighters – and one of the world’s best golfers.

The scoring

Friday

Fourballs: Morning:

P Harrington & C Montgomerie lost to T Woods & J Furyk (one hole)
P Casey & R Karlsson halved with S Cink & J Henry
S Garcia & J Olazabal beat D Toms & B Wetterich (3&2)
D Clarke & L Westwood beat P Mickelson & C DiMarco (one hole)

Foursomes: Afternoon:

P Harrington & P McGinley halved with C Campbell & Z Johnson
D Howell & H Stenson halved with S Cink & D Toms
L Westwood & C Montgomerie halved with P Mickelson & C DiMarco
L Donald & S Garcia beat T Woods & J Furyk (two up)

Saturday

Fourballs: Morning:

P Casey & R Karlsson halved with S Cink & J Henry
S Garcia & J Olazabal beat P Mickelson & C DiMarco (3&2)
D Clarke & L Westwood beat T Woods & J Furyk (3&2)
H Stenson & P Harrington lost to S Verplank & Z Johnson (2&1)

Foursomes: Afternoon:

S Garcia & L Donald beat P Mickelson & D Toms (2&1)
C Montgomerie & L Westwood halved with C Campbell & V Taylor
P Casey & D Howell beat S Cink & Z Johnson (5&4)
P Harrington & P McGinley lost to J Furyk & T Woods (3&2)

Sunday

Singles:

C Montgomerie beat D Toms (one hole)
S Garcia lost to S Cink (4&3)
P Casey beat J Furyk (2&1)
R Karlsson lost to T Woods (3&2)
L Donald beat C Campbell (2&1)
P McGinley halved with J Henry
D Clarke beat Z Johnson (3&2)
H Stenson beat V Taylor (4&3)
D Howell beat B Wetterich (5&4)
J Olazabal beat P Mickelson (2&1)
L Westwood beat C DiMarco (two up)
P Harrington lost to S Verplank (4&3)

Oakland Hills Country Club, Michigan, USA

Europe

18 1/2 - 9 1/2

USA

After a sensational three days golf, where every Member of Bernhard Langer's glorious Team played their part, Europe won The Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills Country Club with a record 18.5 - 9.5 winning margin with, perhaps fittingly, the recognised on-course leader Colin Montgomerie providing the winning point amidst emotion-packed scenes around the 18th green.

Leading 11-5 going into the final day's singles, the holders needed three and a half points to ensure that Samuel Ryder's gleaming golden chalice would travel back across the Atlantic on Monday morning and they did it in style. The expected early American charge was halted firstly by Sergio Garcia who recovered from being two down in the early stages against Phil Mickelson, turning the match around to eventually beat the reigning Masters Champion 3 and 2.

The half point required was added by Darren Clarke who produced sensational golf in the closing stages of his match with Davis Love III, birdieing the 16th and pitching in for a birdie at the 17th to win both holes before sharing the 18th with his great friend. Clarke's stablemate Lee Westwood then put Europe on the threshold of victory with a last green success over Kenny Perry, rolling in a five footer to win by one hole, leaving the door open for Montgomerie.

After all his documented problems off the golf course this year there could surely have been no more appropriate man to hole the winning putt than the 41 year old Scot, who had started the whole week off with the first drive in Friday morning's fourball session. All square with David Toms after 15 holes, Montgomerie birdied the 16th to move ahead, holed a brave six footer on the 17th to stay in front, before holing from four feet on the last to spark jubilation amongst the European fans in the gallery.

Little wonder the Scot could hardly speak moments later. Asked by a BBC Radio Rive reporter what the moment meant to him, Montgomerie was unable to summon up a response. "Emotional I guess," said the man with the microphone. "Yes," nodded Montgomerie, his eyes brimming with tears.

Every Member of The European Team contributed to the points. Even after the Match was won, the points kept rolling in. Rookies Thomas Levet and Ian Poulter both secured their first points of The Ryder Cup with victories over Fred Funk and Chris Riley respectively. And in the anchor matches the Irish pair of Padriag Harrington and Paul McGinley were sensational in winning their matches, Harrington holing the last putt on the 18th green for a record European victory and the party began. As the cheer reverberated around the course, Captain Langer said: "These were the cheers we have been waiting for all week. It is tremendous and now it has happened I am so happy for all the guys."

"We have beaten one of the strongest American Teams ever assembled. A wonderful achievement for everybody involved. This has been incredible. In my wildest dreams I didn't think we could have a six point lead going into the singles."

The scoring

Friday

Fourballs: Morning:

C Montgomerie & P Harrington beat P Mickelson & T Woods (2&1)
D Clarke & M Jimenez beat D Love & C Campbell (5&4)
P McGinley & L Donald halved with C Riley & S Cink
S Garcia & L Westwood beat D Toms & J Furyk (5&3)

Foursomes: Afternoon:

M Jimenez & T Levet lost to C DiMarco & J Haas (3&2)
C Montgomerie & P Harrington beat D Love & F Funk (4&2)
D Clarke & L Westwood beat P Mickelson & T Woods (one hole)
S Garcia & L Donald beat K Perry & S Cink (2&1)

Saturday

Fourballs: Morning:

S Garcia & L Westwood halved with J Haas & C DiMarco (2&1)
D Clarke & I Poulter lost to T Woods & C Riley (2&1)
P Casey & D Howell beat J Furyk & C Campbell (one hole)
C Montgomerie & P Harrington lost to S Cink & D Love (3&2)

Foursomes: Afternoon:

D Clarke & L Westwood beat J Haas & C DiMarco (5&4)
M Jimenez & T Levet lost to P Mickelson & D Toms (4&3)
S Garcia & L Donald lost to J Furyk & F Funk (one hole)
P Harrington & P McGinley beat D Love & T Woods (4&3)

Sunday

Singles:

P Casey lost to T Woods (3&2)
S Garcia beat P Mickelson (3&2)
D Clarke halved with D Love
D Howell lost to J Furyk (6&4)
L Westwood beat K Perry (one hole)
C Montgomerie beat D Toms (one hole)
L Donald lost to C Campbell (5&3)
M Jimenez lost to C DiMarco (one hole)
T Levet beat F Funk (one hole)
I Poulter beat C Riley (3&2)
P Harrington beat J Haas (one hole)
P McGinley beat S Cink (3&2)

The Belfry, West Midlands

Europe

15 1/2 - 12 1/2

USA

Europe's underdogs produced one of the most outstanding singles displays in recent Ryder Cups to comprehensively beat the United States.Europe's underdogs produced one of the most outstanding singles displays in recent Ryder Cups to comprehensively beat the United States. Europe's underdogs produced one of the most outstanding singles displays in recent Ryder Cups to comprehensively beat the United States.

With the scores at 8-8 after the fourballs and foursomes, Europe captain Sam Torrance took a big risk by putting his best players out first on the final day. But the gamble paid off handsomely. Colin Montgomerie produced arguably the greatest performance of his professional career with a 5&4 thrashing of Scott Hoch.

Despite losses for Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood, Curtis Strange's American collective were largely second best on the day. The biggest surprise came in the match between Welshman Phillip Price and world number two Phil Mickelson. Price's 25-foot putt on the 16th green sealed a 3&2 victory and sparked jubilant celebrations.

However, it was Irishman Paul McGinley's half point against Jim Furyk that handed Europe the trophy. McGinley celebrated by throwing himself into the lake at the 18th, draped in the Irish flag.

Europe's players reserved their post-competition thanks for captain Sam Torrance. The Scot though reserved his for the players.

"It had nothing to do with me. I led the boys to water, and they drank copiously," he said.

The scoring

Friday

Fourballs: Morning:

D Clarke & T Bjorn beat T Woods & P Azinger (one hole)
S Garcia & L Westwood beat D Duval & D Love (4&3)
C Montgomerie & B Langer beat S Hoch & J Furyk (4&3)
P Harrington & N Fasth lost to P Mickelson & D Toms (one hole)

Foursomes: Afternoon:

D Clarke & T Bjorn lost to H Sutton & S Verplank (2&1)
S Garcia & L Westwood beat T Woods & M Calcavecchia (2&1)
C Montgomerie & B Langer halved with P Mickelson & D Toms
P Harrington & P McGinley lost to S Cink & J Furyk (3&2)

Saturday

Foursomes: Morning:

P Fulke & P Price lost to P Mickelson & D Toms (2&1)
L Westwood & S Garcia beat S Cink & J Furyk (2&1)
C Montgomerie & B Langer beat S Verplank & S Hoch (one hole)
D Clarke & T Bjorn lost to T Woods & D Love (4&3)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

N Fasth & J Parnevik lost to M Calcavecchia & D Duval (one hole)
C Montgomerie & P Harrington beat P Mickelson & D Toms (2&1)
S Garcia & L Westwood lost to T Woods & D Love (one hole)
D Clarke & P McGinley halved with S Hoch & J Furyk

Sunday

Singles:

C Montgomerie beat S Hoch (5&4)
S Garcia lost to D Toms (one hole)
D Clarke halved with D Duval
B Langer beat H Sutton (4&3)
P Harrington beat M Calcavecchia (5&4)
T Bjorn beat S Cink (2&1)
L Westwood lost to S Verplank (2&1)
N Fasth halved with P Azinger
P McGinley halved with J Furyk
P Fulke halved with D Love
P Price beat P Mickelson (3&2)
J Parnevik halved with T Woods

The Belfry, West Midlands

Europe

N/A

USA

With the 2001 Ryder Cup just two weeks away, most of the talk was about Europe plotting their revenge on the United States following the American victory in 1999.

Memories of the wild and, some would say, over-exuberant celebrations at the previous match still lingered in the minds of the Europeans, and Sam Torrance's team were determined to even the scores at The Belfry. But all talk of the impending competition was cast aside by the terrorist attacks on 11 September.

The world was shaken by the disaster and sport as a whole took a backseat. The American team, fearing for their own safety and the fact some were still traumatised by the tragic events, voiced their concerns about travelling to England.

As a result the European Ryder Cup Board agreed to a request sent by the PGA of America on Sunday 16 September to postpone the event and reschedule for September 2002.

"The tragedy in America caused us all to reflect and evaluate our own lives and relationships with family and friends," said United States captain Curtis Strange

The scoring

Brookline CC, Massachusetts

Europe

14 1/2 - 13 1/2

USA

For the third successive meeting, a single point decided The Ryder Cup. Memories of the wild and, some would say, over-exuberant celebrations at the previous match still lingered in the minds of the Europeans, and Sam Torrance's team were determined to even the scores at The Belfry.

Europe were aiming for a hat-trick of wins, but were ultimately undone by some phenomenal performances by the Americans in the singles. It was another contest packed with great drama, high emotion and superlative golf.

The Europeans enjoyed a great first day. Jesper Parnevik and Sergio Garcia were dominant, winning both their first day contests as Europe claimed five of the eight matches and surged to a 6-2 lead. Honours were shared on the second day with four points each.

The imperious Tiger Woods enjoyed mixed fortunes with partner Steve Pate; they won their morning foursome but struggled against in-form Colin Montgomerie and Paul Lawrie in the afternoon's fourballs. Going into the final day, Europe needed just four points from the 12 singles matches. Captain Mark James was in confident mood as he prepared for the final day's play, but his hopes were soon shattered.

America thrashed their opponents, comfortably winning the opening six games. Irish rookie Padraig Harrington stopped the rot after overcoming the 1998 Masters and Open champion Mark O'Meara to win by one hole. European hopes eventually rested on the experienced Jose-Maria Olazabal, who was involved in a monumental struggle with Justin Leonard.

The Spaniard was four up with seven to play, but fortunes quickly turned and only a magnificent birdie on the final hole ensured Olazabal claimed a half. It was too little too late and the manner of defeat left a sour taste for the Europeans.

They were deeply unhappy with the American team's celebrations after Leonard's putt on the 17th all but ensured victory for the hosts. The row rumbled on, with many questioning whether the spirit of Ryder Cup matches would ever be the same again.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

D Duval & P Mickelson lost to C Montgomerie & P Lawrie (3&2)
T Lehman & T Woods lost to J Parnevik & S Garcia (2&1)
D Love & P Stewart halved with M A Jimenez & P Harrington
H Sutton & J Maggert beat D Clarke & L Westwood (3&2)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

D Love & J Leonard halved with C Montgomerie & P Lawrie
P Mickelson & J Furyk lost to J Parnevik & S Garcia (1 hole)
H Sutton & J Maggert lost to M A Jimenez & J M Olazabal (2&1)
D Duval & T Woods lost to D Clarke & L Westwood (1 hole)

Saturday

Foursomes: Morning:

H Sutton & J Maggert beat C Montgomerie & P Lawrie (1 hole)
J Furyk & M O'Meara lost to D Clarke & L Westwood (3&2)
S Pate & T Woods beat M A Jimenez & P Harrington (1 hole)
P Stewart & J Leonard lost to J Parnevik & S Garcia (3&2)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

P Mickelson & T Lehman beat D Clarke & L Westwood (2&1)
D Love & D Duval halved with J Parnevik & S Garcia
J Leonard & H Sutton halved with M A Jimenez & J M Olazabal
S Pate & T Woods lost to C Montgomerie & P Lawrie (2&1)

Sunday

Singles:

T Lehman beat L Westwood (3&2)
H Sutton beat D Clarke (4&2)
P Mickelson beat J Sandelin (4&3)
D Love beat J VD Velde (6&5)
T Woods beat A Coltart (3&2)
D Duval beat J Parnevik (5&4)
M O'Meara lost to P Harrington (1 hole)
S Pate beat M A Jimenez (2&1)
J Leonard halved with J M Olazabal
P Stewart lost to C Montgomerie (1 hole)
J Furyk beat S Garcia (4&3)
J Maggert lost to P Lawrie (4&3)

Valderrama, Spain

Europe

14 1/2 - 13 1/2

USA

The Europeans claimed a narrow victory on the final day, but the real platform for success had been established over the opening two days.

It was the first time the Europeans had played on home soil outside the British Isles as Seve Ballesteros captained the team in his native Spain. The match also marked Tiger Woods' Ryder Cup debut. Heavy storms on the first day delayed play, but honours were eventually shared in the opening fourballs.

Europe claimed a slight advantage by the end of the first day, with the pairings of Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie and Nick Faldo and Lee Westwood winning their foursomes. Faldo set a string of records at Valderrama, with the most Ryder Cup points and appearances now to his name.

Ballesteros courted controversy with his early selections as Ian Woosnam and Darren Clarke were both deemed surplus to requirements on day one, as was Johansson the following day. However, no one could dispute the captain's decisions as Europe moved into a five-point lead at the end of the second day.

Europe were almost home and dry, though not surprisingly the Americans had other ideas and won the singles 8-4 in stunning fashion. European victory was assured when Colin Montgomerie continued his unbeaten run in Ryder Cup singles matches with a half against Scott Hoch.

The scoring

Friday

Fourballs: Morning:

J M Olazabal & C Rocca beat D Love & P Mickelson (1 hole)
N Faldo & L Westwood lost to F Couples & B Faxon (1 hole)
J Parnevik & P U Johansson beat T Lehman & J Furyk (1 hole)
C Montgomerie & B Langer lost to T Woods & M O'Meara (3&2)

Foursomes: Afternoon:

C Rocca & J M Olazabal lost to S Hoch & L Janzen (1 hole)
B Langer & C Montgomerie beat M O'Meara & T Woods (5&3)
N Faldo & L Westwood beat J Leonard & J Maggert (3&2)
J Parnevik & I Garrido halved with T Lehman & P Mickelson

Saturday

Fourballs: Morning:

C Montgomerie & D Clarke beat F Couples & D Love (1 hole)
I Woosnam & T Bjorn beat J Leonard & B Faxon (2&1)
N Faldo & L Westwood beat T Woods & M O'Meara (2&1)
J M Olazabal & I Garrido halved with P Mickelson & T Lehman

Foursomes: Afternoon:

C Montgomerie & B Langer beat L Janzen & J Furyk (1 hole)
N Faldo & L Westwood lost to S Hoch & J Maggert (2&1)
J Parnevik & I Garrido halved with J Leonard & T Woods
J M Olazabal & C Rocca beat D Love & F Couples (5&4)

Sunday

Singles:

I Woosnam lost to F Couples (8&7)
P U Johansson beat D Love (3&2)
J Parnevik lost to M O'Meara (5&4)
D Clarke lost to P Mickelson (2&1)
C Rocca beat T Woods (4&2)
T Bjorn halved with J Leonard
I Garrido lost to T Lehman (7&6)
B Langer beat B Faxon (2&1)
L Westwood lost to J Maggert (3&2)
J M Olazabal lost to L Janzen (1 hole)
N Faldo lost to J Furyk (3&2)
C Montgomerie halved with S Hoch

Oak Hill, New York

Europe

13 1/2 - 14 1/2

USA

The 1995 Ryder Cup was blessed with yet more dazzling golf and another nerve-jangling finish. The tournament saw two hole-in-ones from European golfers Howard Clarke and Costantino Rocca.

It was a tale of more battling comebacks but, unlike at The Belfry two years earlier, this time it was the Europeans who snatched a dramatic victory over the final holes. Bernard Gallacher was in charge of the Europeans for the third time, while Lanny Wadkins took over as captain of the American team.

America claimed early honours - both teams won two rubbers in the foursomes but after David Gilford and Seve Ballesteros had romped to victory over Brad Faxon and Peter Jacobsen, it was the Americans who turned on the style in the remaining three fourballs. Europe hit back at the start of the second day, winning three of the four foursomes.

Sam Torrance partnered Rocca and the duo demolished Davis Love III and Jeff Maggert 6&5 to earn a confidence-boosting point for Europe.

But back came the Americans and it was the home team who held a two-point advantage going into the final day. Remarkably, five single games went to the final hole, from which Europe won four-and-a-half points.

Nick Faldo set the winning tone for the visitors by beating Curtis Strange, who missed three short putts for victory over the closing holes. And it was left to Irishman Philip Walton to seal the glory. Three up, with three to play against Jay Haas, Walton lost the next two but amazingly secured victory even with a bogey five on the last. The trophy was back in Europe.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

C Pavin & T Lehman beat N Faldo & C Montgomerie (1 hole)
J Haas & F Couples lost to S Torrance & C Rocca (3&2)
D Love & J Maggert beat H Clark & M James (4&3)
B Crenshaw & C Strange lost to B Langer & P U Johansson (1 hole)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

B Faxon & P Jacobsen lost to D Gilford & S Ballesteros (4&3)
J Maggert & L Roberts beat S Torrance & C Rocca (6&5)
F Couples & D Love beat N Faldo & C Montgomerie (3&2)
C Pavin & P Mickelson beat B Langer & P U Johansson (6&4)

Saturday

Foursomes: Morning:

C Strange & J Haas lost to N Faldo & C Montgomerie (4&2)
D Love & J Maggert lost to S Torrance & C Rocca (6&5)
L Roberts & P Jacobsen beat I Woosnam & P Walton (1 hole)
C Pavin & T Lehman lost to B Langer & D Gilford (4&3)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

B Faxon & F Couples beat S Torrance & C Montgomerie (4&2)
D Love & B Crenshaw lost to I Woosnam & C Rocca (3&2)
J Haas & P Mickelson beat S Ballesteros & D Gilford (3&2)
C Pavin & L Roberts beat N Faldo & B Langer (1 hole)

Sunday

Singles:

T Lehman beat S Ballesteros (4&3)
P Jacobsen lost to H Clark (1 hole)
J Maggert lost to M James (4&3)
F Couples halved with I Woosnam
D Love beat C Rocca (3&2)
B Faxon lost to D Gilford (1 hole)
B Crenshaw lost to C Montgomerie (3&1)
C Strange lost to N Faldo (1 hole)
L Roberts lost to S Torrance (2&1)
C Pavin beat B Langer (3&2)
J Haas lost to P Walton (1 hole)
P Mickelson beat P U Johansson (2&1)

The Belfry, West Midlands

Europe

13 - 15

USA

Following the bad feeling between the two camps at Kiawah Island, the choice of mild-mannered Tom Watson as the new American captain was welcomed in 1993. He swiftly met with European skipper Bernard Gallacher and a new amiable spirit returned to The Ryder Cup.

The Europeans had a slight advantage after the opening day, claiming four-and-a-half points in the foursomes and fourballs. Only Ian Woosnam won both of his matches on day one for Europe, with the partnership of Larry Wadkins and Corey Pavin impressing for the Americans.

The European advantage was further increased as they claimed three of the four foursomes on the second morning, but a change of tactics altered the psyche of their opposition. Bernhard Langer and Seve Ballesteros had asked they be rested and Gallacher acquiesced with the idea of keeping them fresh for the final day's singles.

The decision backfired and Europe's momentum ground to a halt, with them losing three of the last four fourballs. Just one point separated the teams as the players prepared for the singles contest that would decide the fate of the cup.

It was America who triumphed as they stormed to six wins and two halves, helped by veteran Chip Beck battling back from three holes down to beat Barry Lane. Joakim Haeggman scored a memorable win over John Cook, but then America won five in a row. Rookie Davis Love III led the rout by beating a distraught Costantino Rocca.

The Italian had been one-up with two to play but, after three putting the 17th, his will to win was shattered and he could only bogey the final hole. Raymond Floyd claimed three birdies on the back nine against Olazábal to seal America's victory.

There was also a memorable halved match involving Nick Faldo and Paul Azinger, which saw the British golfer claim a hole-in-one.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

S Torrance & M James lost to L Wadkins & C Pavin (4&3)
I Woosnam & B Langer beat P Azinger & P Stewart (7&5)
S Ballesteros & J M Olazabal lost to T Kite & D Love (2&1)
N Faldo & C Montgomerie beat R Floyd & F Couples (4&3)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

I Woosnam & P Baker beat J Gallagher Jr & L Janzen (1 hole)
B Langer & B Lane lost to L Wadkins & C Pavin (4&2)
N Faldo & C Montgomerie halved with P Azinger & F Couples
S Ballesteros & J M Olazabal beat D Love & T Kite (4&3)

Saturday

Foursomes: Morning:

N Faldo & C Montgomerie beat L Wadkins & C Pavin (3&2)
B Langer & I Woosnam beat F Couples & P Azinger (2&1)
P Baker & B Lane lost to R Floyd & P Stewart (3&2)
S Ballesteros & J M Olazabal beat D Love & T Kite (2&1)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

N Faldo & C Montgomerie lost to J Cook & C Beck (1 hole)
M James & C Rocca lost to C Pavin & J Gallagher Jr (5&4)
I Woosnam & P Baker beat F Couples & P Azinger (6&5)
J M Olazabal & J Haeggman lost to R Floyd & P Stewart (2&1)

Sunday

Singles:

I Woosnam halved with F Couples
B Lane lost to C Beck (1 hole)
C Montgomerie beat L Janzen (1 hole)
P Baker beat C Pavin (2 holes)
J Haeggman beat J Cook (1 hole)
M James lost to P Stewart (3&2)
C Rocca lost to D Love (1 hole)
S Ballesteros lost to J Gallagher Jr (3&2)
J M Olazabal lost to R Floyd (2 holes)
B Langer lost to T Kite (5&3)
N Faldo halved with P Azinger
S Torrance halved with L Wadkins
(Sam Torrance injured, match not played)

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Europe

14 1/2 - 13 1/2

USA

Kiawah Island played host to an enthralling Ryder Cup that culminated in absolute despair for Bernhard Langer. Bernard Gallacher had replaced Tony Jacklin as European captain and was confident of victory, but then again, so were the Americans.

Recent events in the Gulf, with America and her allies fighting to liberate Kuwait, set the tone for the tournament, with a golfing magazine famously previewing The Ryder Cup as "War on the Shore". A highly-charged American team took that spirit into battle.

Europe struggled on the opening day, with Gallacher's decision to play rookies Colin Montgomerie and David Gilford together in the foursomes backfiring. In fact, Seve Ballesteros and Josie-Maria Olazabal collected Europe's only point of the first morning and won again in the afternoon as Europe battled back to trail by just a single point at the end of the first day.

The second day unfolded in similar fashion, with momentum swinging towards one team then the other, and the scores were locked at 8-8 going to the final day. US captain Dave Stockton ensured the final day of an epic contest began controversially when he failed to inform Gallacher of Steve Pate's withdrawal through injury.

The fate of the cup was eventually decided on the last hole of the last match between Bernhard Langer and Hale Irwin. Langer, with the eyes of the world upon him, missed his six-foot putt for the half that would have given Europe a tie, and The Ryder Cup returned to America after an absence of six years.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

P Azinger & C Beck lost to S Ballesteros & J M Olazabal (2&1)
R Floyd & F Couples beat B Langer & M James (2&1)
L Wadkins & H Irwin beat D Gilford & C Montgomerie (4&2)
P Stewart & M Calcavecchia beat N Faldo & I Woosnam (1 hole)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

L Wadkins & M O'Meara halved with S Torrance & D Feherty
P Azinger & C Beck lost to S Ballesteros & J M Olazabal (2&1)
C Pavin & M Calcavecchia lost to S Richardson & M James (5&4)
R Floyd & F Couples beat N Faldo & I Woosnam (5&3)

Saturday

Foursomes: Morning:

H Irwin & L Wadkins beat D Feherty & S Torrance (4&2)
M Calcavecchia & P Stewart beat M James & S Richardson (1 hole)
P Azinger & M O'Meara beat N Faldo & D Gilford 0 (7&6)
F Couples & R Floyd lost to S Ballesteros & J M Olazábal (3&2)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

P Azinger & H Irwin lost to I Woosnam & P Broadhurst (2&1)
C Pavin & S Pate lost to B Langer & C Montgomerie (2&1)
L Wadkins & W Levi lost to M James & S Richardson (3&1)
P Stewart & F Couples halved with S Ballesteros & J M Olazabal

Sunday

Singles:

R Floyd lost to N Faldo (2 holes)
P Stewart lost to D Feherty (2&1)
M Calcavecchia halved with C Montgomerie
P Azinger beat J M Olazábal (2 holes)
C Pavin beat S R Richardson (2&1)
W Levi lost to S Ballesteros (3&2)
C Beck beat I Woosnam (3&1)
M O'Meara lost to P Broadhurst (3&1)
F Couples beat S Torrance (3&2)
L Wadkins beat M James (3&2)
H Irvin halved with B Langer
S Pate halved with D Gilford
(Steve Pate injured, match not played)

The Belfry, West Midlands

Europe

14 - 14

USA

Ryder Cup history continued to rewrite itself. The contest in 1989 ended in stalemate for only the second time in the tournament's history. Following back-to-back victories for Europe, the hype preceding the event was immense.

The build-up and competitive spirit was certainly fuelled by the American captain Raymond Floyd, who said his team comprised "the 12 greatest players in the world". The challenge had definitely been laid down. The Americans took a firm grip during the opening morning, winning two foursomes and halving the other two.

However, the partisan crowd enjoyed a sensational afternoon as Europe claimed all four fourballs to cruise into a healthy 5-3 lead. Nothing could separate these two battling giants on the second day, but it was the Spanish duo of Seve Ballesteros and Jose-Maria Olazabal who excelled.

They were the only pairing to claim two victories during the day. America had it all to do in the singles and fought back tigerishly, determined to reclaim the trophy.

The visitors started well, winning the opening two singles, but their momentum soon faltered. On the treacherous 18th, Payne Stewart sent his ball into the water to lose to Olazabal and could only watch in horror as team-mate Mark Calcavecchia played exactly the same shot against Ronan Rafferty.

Tom Kite won his match for the Americans, but they then lost three in a row. In the end, it fell to Jose Maria Canizares to get down in two on the 18th to win his match against Ken Green and ensure that Europe retained the Cup.

But defeats in the remaining four singles matches meant that Europe could not claim victory in the match overall.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

N Faldo & I Woosnam halved with T Kite & C Strange
H Clark & M James lost to L Wadkins & P Stewart (1 hole)
S Ballesteros & J M Olazábal halved with T Watson & C Beck
B Langer & R Rafferty lost to M Calcavecchia & K Green (2&1)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

S Torrance & G Brand Jr beat C Strange & P Azinger (1 hole)
H Clark & M James beat F Couples & L Wadkins (3&2)
N Faldo & I Woosnam beat M Calcavecchia & M McCumber (2 holes)
S Ballesteros & J M Olazábal beat T Watson & M O'Meara (6&5)

Saturday

Foursomes: Morning:

I Woosnam & N Faldo beat L Wadkins & P Stewart (3&2)
G Brand Jr & S Torrance lost to C Beck & P Azinger (4&3)
C O'Connor Jr & R Rafferty lost to M Calcavecchia & K Green (3&2)
S Ballesteros & J M Olazábal beat T Kite & C Strange (1 hole)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

N Faldo & I Woosnam lost to C Beck & P Azinger (2&1)
B Langer & J M Cañares lost to T Kite & M McCumber (2&1)
H Clark & M James beat P Stewart & C Strange (1 hole)
S Ballesteros & J M Olazábal beat M Calcavecchia & K Green (4&2)

Sunday

Singles:

S Ballesteros lost to P Azinger (1 hole)
B Langer lost to C Beck (3&2)
J M Olazábal beat P Stewart (1 hole)
R Rafferty beat M Calcavecchia (1 hole)
H Clark lost to T Kite (8&7)
M James beat M O'Meara (3&2)
C O'Connor Jr beat F Couples (1 hole)
J M Canizares beat K Green (1 hole)
G Brand Jr lost to M McCumber (1 hole)
S Torrance lost to T Watson (3&1)
N Faldo lost to L Wadkins (1 hole)
I Woosnam lost to C Strange (2 holes)

The Belfry, West Midlands

Europe

14 - 14

USA

Another historic triumph for the Europeans, but what made this win even more remarkable was that it happened away from home turf.

Tony Jacklin skippered Europe again and he was up against old adversary Jack Nicklaus, with the American overseeing a titanic battle on a course he himself had designed. The morning foursomes were shared on the opening day, with two wins for either side, but there was better to follow for Europe in the afternoon.

All four European fourballs were victorious and the visitors had a 6-2 lead going into the second day. The Spanish pairing of Seve Ballesteros and Jose-Maria Olazabal continued their brilliant form by beating Payne Stewart and Ben Crenshaw, and victory for Europe looked certain going into the singles.

The Americans, determined not to be embarrassed on home soil, claimed five of the first seven singles games and, with the match in the balance, nerves were jangling in both camps. An increasingly tense game between Eamonn Darcy and Ben Crenshaw exploded on the sixth green when Crenshaw, already two holes down, snapped his own putter in a fit of rage.

He had to complete his round putting with either a one iron or his sand wedge, but amazingly he bounced back, only to lose on the 18th. Ballesteros sealed a phenomenal win by beating Curtis Strange. Amidst wild scenes of jubilation, Olazabal proceeded to do the cha-cha on the 18th green.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

C Strange & T Kite beat S Torrance & H Clark (4&2)
H Sutton & D Pohl beat K Brown & B Langer (2&1)
L Wadkins & L Mize lost to N Faldo & I Woosnam (2 holes)
L Nelson & P Stewart lost to S Ballesteros & J M Olazábal (1 hole)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

B Crenshaw & S Simpson lost to G Brand Jr & J Rivero (3&2)
A Bean & M Calcavecchia lost to A Lyle & B Langer (1 hole)
H Sutton & D Pohl lost to N Faldo & I Woosnam (2&1)
C Strange & T Kite lost to S Ballesteros & J M Olazábal (2&1)

Saturday

Foursomes: Morning:

C Strange & T Kite beat J Rivero & G Brand Jr (3&1)
H Sutton & L Mize halved with N Faldo & I Woosnam
L Wadkins & L Nelson lost to A Lyle & B Langer (2&1)
B Crenshaw & P Stewart lost to S Ballesteros & J M Olazábal (1 hole)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

C Strange & T Kite lost to N Faldo & I Woosnam (5&4)
A Bean & P Stewart beat E Darcy & G Brand Jr (3&2)
H Sutton & L Mize beat S Ballesteros & J M Olazábal (2&1)
L Wadkins & L Nelson lost to A Lyle & B Langer (1 hole)

Sunday

Singles:

A Bean beat I Woosnam (1 hole)
D Pohl lost to H Clark (1 hole)
L Mize halved with S Torrance
M Calcavecchia beat N Faldo (1 hole)
P Stewart beat J M Olazábal (2 holes)
S Simpson beat J Rivero (2&1)
T Kite beat A Lyle (3&2)
B Crenshaw lost to E Darcy (1 hole)
L Nelson halved with B Langer
C Strange lost to S Ballesteros (2&1)
L Wadkins beat K Brown (3&2)
H Sutton halved with G Brand Jr

The Belfry, West Midlands

Europe

16 1/2 - 11 1/2

USA

In 1985, after a wait of 28 years, it finally happened. The Ryder Cup trophy was prised from the Americans' grasp by a European team boasting the likes of Masters champion Bernhard Langer, Open winner Sandy Lyle, Ian Woosnam and Nick Faldo.

The Americans had started well on the first day, claiming three of the four foursomes with Lanny Wadkins and Raymond Floyd impressing in two wins. But on the second day, the pendulum began to swing towards the Europeans. Seve Ballesteros was in defiant mood, claiming his first two points playing alongside compatriot Manuel Pinero.

Europe seized the initiative, establishing a platform for their remarkable triumph. Craig Stadler and Curtis Strange - two-up with two to play against Bernhard Langer and Sandy Lyle - appeared certain to win their game. Stadler, however, missed a three-foot putt on the last to hand their opponents an unlikely half, and with it the momentum in the match.

Europe went into the final day leading 9-7 and full of confidence. Stadler played bravely to beat Ian Woosnam, but overall Europe dominated the singles, taking seven-and-a-half to the Americans' four-and-a-half points.

Pinero, Lyle, Langer and the inexperienced Paul Way all won their rubbers and sensed an historic victory. It was down to Sam Torrance to secure the triumph. The Scot was facing US Open champion Andy North and fell three holes behind.

Torrance fought back until it was neck-and-neck going to the 18th and, after North's ball found water, Torrance birdied with an 18-footer. The emotional Scot, who had been in tears before the putt, raised his arms in a signal which said The Ryder Cup was finally in European hands.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

S Ballesteros & M Piñero beat C Strange & M O'Meara (2&1)
B Langer & N Faldo lost to C Peete & T Kite (3&2)
A Lyle & K Brown lost to L Wadkins & R Floyd (4&3)
H Clark & S Torrance lost to C Stadler & H Sutton (3&2)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

P Way & I Woosnam beat F Zoeller & H Green (1 hole)
S Ballesteros & M Piñero beat A North & P Jacobsen (2&1)
B Langer & J M Canizares halved with C Stadler & H Sutton
S Torrance & H Clark lost to R Floyd & L Wadkins (1 hole)

Saturday

Foursomes: Morning:

S Torrance & H Clark beat T Kite & A North (2&1)
P Way & I Woosnam beat H Green & F Zoeller (4&3)
S Ballesteros & M Piñero lost to M O'Meara & L Wadkins (3&2)
B Langer & A Lyle halved with C Stadler & C Strange

Fourballs: Afternoon:

J M Canizares & J Rivero beat T Kite & C Peete (4&3)
S Ballesteros & M Piñero beat C Stadler & H Sutton (5&4)
P Way & I Woosnam lost to C Strange & P Jacobsen (4&2)
B Langer & K Brown beat R Floyd & L Wadkins (3&2)

Sunday

Singles:

M Piñero beat L Wadkins (3&1)
I Woosnam lost to C Stadler (2&1)
P Way beat R Floyd (2 holes)
S Ballesteros halved with T Kite
A Lyle beat P Jacobsen (3&2)
B Langer beat H Sutton (5&4)
S Torrance beat A North (1 hole)
H Clark beat M O'Meara (1 hole)
J Rivero lost to C Peete (1 hole)
N Faldo lost to H Green (3&1)
J M Canizares beat F Zoeller (2 holes)
K Brown lost to C Strange (4&2)

The Belfry, West Midlands

Europe

16 1/2 - 11 1/2

USA

So near and yet so far as Tony Jacklin captained the Europeans in a gallant attempt to wrest back The Ryder Cup. After the opening day, the visitors led for the first time on American soil. Both teams were level at 8-8 after the second day and as the match progressed into the singles, an almighty battle ensued.

A revitalised Seve Ballesteros was back in the team following his omission in 1981 and he was inspired by a stirring war-cry from his skipper. Ballesteros was involved in a thrilling contest with Fuzzy Zoeller and the Spaniard looked invincible at three-up with seven to play, but then his game wobbled alarmingly.

He lost four holes in a row, but rallied at the 16th and needed to win the final hole to take the match.

Still 240 yards to the pin and sitting in a bunker, defeat now seemed inevitable, but Ballesteros hit a three wood close to the green and got down in two to grab a remarkable half.

A miraculous pitch from Lanny Wadkins on the final hole against Jose-Maria Canizares gave the American a half which ensured they retained the Cup. When future captain Bernard Gallacher failed to get anything from his singles match with Tom Watson, the hosts celebrated yet another victory.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

T Watson & B Crenshaw beat B Gallacher & A Lyle (5&4)
L Wadkins & C Stadler lost to N Faldo & B Langer (4&2)
R Floyd & B Gilder lost to J Canizares & S Torrance (4&3)
T Kite & C Peete beat S Ballesteros & P Way (2&1)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

G Morgan & F Zoeller lost to B Waites & K Brown (2&1)
T Watson & J Haas beat N Faldo & B Langer (2&1)
R Floyd & C Strange lost to S Ballesteros & P Way (1 hole)
B Crenshaw & C Peete halved with S Torrance & I Woosnam

Saturday

Fourballs: Morning:

L Wadkins & C Stadler beat B Waites & K Brown (1 hole)
B Crenshaw & C Peete lost to N Faldo & B Langer (4&2)
G Morgan & J Haas halved with S Ballesteros & P Way
T Watson & B Gilder beat S Torrance & I Woosnam (5&4)

Foursomes: Afternoon:

T Kite & R Floyd lost to N Faldo & B Langer (3&2)
G Morgan & L Wadkins beat S Torrance & J M Canizares (7&5)
T Watson & B Gilder lost to S Ballesteros & P Way (2&1)
J Haas & C Strange beat B Waites & K Brown (3&2)

Sunday

Singles:

F Zoeller halved with S Ballesteros
J Haas lost to N Faldo (2&1)
G Morgan lost to B Langer (2 holes)
B Gilder beat G J Brand (2 holes)
B Crenshaw beat A Lyle (3&1)
C Peete beat B Waites (1 hole)
C Strange lost to P Way (2&1)
T Kite halved with S Torrance
C Stadler beat I Woosnam (3&2)
L Wadkins halved with J M Canizares
R Floyd lost to K Brown (4&3)
T Watson beat B Gallacher (2&1)

Walton Heath, Surrey

Europe

9 1/2 - 18 1/2

USA

The event was scheduled for The Belfry, but its construction had not been completed in time and Walton Heath was arranged as a late replacement. Not that the change of venue could be considered to have had much impact on the result.

The 1981 American Ryder Cup team is considered to be one of the best line-ups ever seen in the tournament - between them, the players had won 36 Major championships. Seve Ballesteros was a controversial omission, as it was argued he had played too much golf on the American Tour. His absence did not prove critical however, as the American players were at the peak of their powers.

After winning all his previous matches in 1979, Larry Nelson continued his streak with four more victories, a haul Jack Nicklaus equalled, assisted in no small measure by his playing partner Tom Watson. Germany's Bernhard Langer and Spaniards Jose Maria Canizares and Manuel Pinero made their Ryder Cup debuts, but the Americans were in a different class - again.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

B Langer & M Piñero lost to L Trevino & L Nelson (1 hole)
A Lyle & M James beat B Rogers & B Lietzke (2&1)
B Gallacher & D Smyth beat H Irwin & R Floyd (3&2)
P Oosterhuis & N Faldo lost to T Watson & J Nicklaus (4&3)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

S Torrance & H Clark halved with T Kite & J Miller
A Lyle & M James beat B Crenshaw & J Pate (3&2)
D Smyth & J M Cañares beat B Rogers & B Lietzke (6&5)
B Gallacher & E Darcy lost to H Irwin & R Floyd (2&1)

Saturday

Fourballs: Morning:

N Faldo & S Torrance lost to L Trevino & J Pate (7&5)
A Lyle & M James lost to L Nelson & T Kite (1 hole)
B Langer & M Piñero beat R Floyd & H Irwin (2&1)
J M Cañares & D Smyth lost to J Nicklaus & T Watson (3&2)

Foursomes: Afternoon:

P Oosterhuis & S Torrance lost to L Trevino & J Pate (2&1)
B Langer & M Piñero lost to J Nicklaus & T Watson (3&2)
A Lyle & M James lost to B Rogers & R Floyd (3&2)
D Smyth & B Gallacher lost to T Kite & L Nelson (3&2)

Sunday

Singles:

S Torrance lost to L Trevino (5&3)
A Lyle lost to T Kite (3&2)
B Gallacher halved with B Rogers
M James lost to L Nelson (2 holes)
D Smyth lost to B Crenshaw (6&4)
B Langer halved with B Lietzke
M Piñero beat J Pate (4&2)
J M Cañares lost to H Irwin (1 hole)
N Faldo beat J Miller (2&1)
H Clark beat T Watson (4&3)
P Oosterhuis lost to R Floyd (1 hole)
E Darcy lost to J Nicklaus (5&3)

The Greenbrier, West Virginia

Europe

17 - 11

USA

A new dawn for The Ryder Cup had arrived with players from Europe, and not just Great Britain and Ireland, challenging America for the first time.

Yet another new format meant the first two days now comprised of eight foursomes and eight fourballs, leaving 12 singles matches on the final day. The Americans grabbed a handy three-point lead on the first day, with Ryder Cup new boys Seve Ballesteros and Antonio Garrido bouncing back from an early defeat to win their foursomes in the afternoon. Not everybody was enthused with the new landscape, with Mark James and Ken Brown in particular incurring the wrath of officials for refusing to wear the team jacket or attend meetings.

Nick Faldo was in inspired form, finishing up with three victories, but Larry Nelson was the main factor in yet another American triumph as he notched up five wins. Injury forced James out of the afternoon singles on the final day, but as the home team claimed five out of six matches in the morning singles, the match was effectively all over.

The scoring

Friday

Fourballs: Morning:

L Wadkins & L Nelson beat A Garrido & S Ballesteros (2&1)
L Trevino & F Zoeller beat K Brown & M James (3&2)
A Bean & L Elder beat P Oosterhuis & N Faldo (2&1)
H Irwin & J Mahaffey lost to B Gallacher & B Barnes (2&1)

Foursomes: Afternoon:

H Irwin & T Kite beat K Brown & D Smyth (7&6)
F Zoeller & H Green lost to S Ballesteros & A Garrido (3&2)
L Trevino & G Morgan halved with A Lyle & A Jacklin
L Wadkins & L Nelson beat B Gallacher & B Barnes (4&3)

Saturday

Foursomes: Morning:

L Elder & J Mahaffey lost to A Jacklin & A Lyle (5&4)
A Bean & T Kite lost to N Faldo & P Oosterhuis (6&5)
F Zoeller & M Hayes lost to B Gallacher & B Barnes (2&1)
L Wadkins & L Nelson beat S Ballesteros & A Garrido (3&2)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

L Wadkins & L Nelson beat S Ballesteros & A Garrido (5&4)
H Irwin & T Kite beat A Jacklin & A Lyle (1 hole)
L Trevino & F Zoeller lost to B Gallacher & B Barnes (3&2)
L Elder & M Hayes lost to N Faldo & P Oosterhuis (1 hole)

Sunday

Singles: Morning:

L Wadkins lost to B Gallacher (3&2)
L Nelson beat S Ballesteros (3&2)
T Kite beat A Jacklin (1 hole)
M Hayes beat A Garrido (1 hole)
A Bean beat M King (4&3)
J Mahaffey beat B Barnes (1 hole)

Singles: Afternoon:

L Elder lost to N Faldo (3&2)
H Irwin beat D Smyth (5&3)
H Green beat P Oosterhuis (2 holes)
F Zoeller lost to K Brown (1 hole)
L Trevino beat A Lyle (2&1)
G Morgan halved with M James
(Mark James injured, match not played)

Royal Lytham & St Annes, Lancashire

Europe

12 1/2 - 7 1/2

USA

Once again the format was tinkered with - the number of matches being reduced by nearly a third. Regular losers Great Britain and Ireland had pressed for the changes, but it failed to help their cause.

America were quickest out of the blocks and grabbed a two-point advantage in the foursomes and they stretched their lead by three in the fourballs. Britain recovered slightly in the singles, matching their opponents 5-5, but it was too little too late. England's Nick Faldo provided some rare inspiration for the Brits, battling through glandular fever to win his three rubbers.

But changes were afoot. This was America's 20th Ryder Cup victory and, possibly getting bored with their inferior opposition, discussions were pursued to allow other players from continental Europe to be involved. Jack Nicklaus was particularly keen for a change and the original Ryder Cup agreement was subsequently amended.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes:

B J Gallacher & B W Barnes lost to L Wadkins & H Irwin (3&1)
N C Coles & P Dawson lost to D Stockton & M McGee (1 hole)
N Faldo & P Oosterhuis beat R Floyd & L Graham (2&1)
E Darcy & A Jacklin halved with E Sneed & D January
T Horton & M James lost to J W Nicklaus & T Watson (5&4)

Saturday

Fourballs:

BW Barnes & T Horton lost to T Watson & H Green (5&4)
N C Coles & P Dawson lost to E Sneed & L Wadkins (5&3)
N Faldo & P Oosterhuis beat J W Nicklaus & R Floyd (3&1)
A Jacklin & E Darcy lost to D Hill & D Stockton (5&3)
M James & K Brown lost to H Irwin & L Graham (1 hole)

Sunday

Singles:

H Clark lost to L Wadkins (4&3)
N C Coles lost to L Graham (5&3)
P Dawson beat D January (5&4)
B Barnes beat H Irwin (1 hole)
T Horton lost to D Hill (5&4)
B J Gallacher beat J W Nicklaus (1 hole)
E Darcy lost to H Green (1 hole)
M James lost to R Floyd (2&1)
N Faldo beat T Watson (1 hole)
P Oosterhuis beat J McGee (2 holes)

Old Laurel Valley, Pennsylvania

Europe

21 - 11

USA

Britain continued their awful Ryder Cup form on foreign soil as the imperious Jack Nicklaus took centre stage.

A desperate opening session for the visitors ended with America cruising to victory in all four of the foursomes matches. The match was as good as finished and all that was left for Britain was to try to regain their pride.

One man who showed some fight was Brian Barnes and his showdown with Nicklaus was the bright spot for the visitors. The Golden Bear had won his fourth PGA Championship and came into The Ryder Cup bubbling with confidence.

After losing to Barnes in the singles on the final morning, Nicklaus wanted revenge and his request to captain Arnold Palmer for a rematch in the afternoon was received positively. On the first tee Nicklaus confidently told his partner: "There ain't no way you're going to beat me again".

But, despite a fine start with two birdies, it was Barnes who strolled to a 2&1 victory. Barnes may have won the battle but there was no doubt which team had won the war.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

J W Nicklaus & T Weiskopf beat B W Barnes & B J Gallacher (5&4)
G Littler & H Irwin beat N Wood & M Bembridge (4&3)
A Geiberger & J Miller beat A Jacklin & P Oosterhuis (3&1)
L Trevino & J C Snead beat T Horton & J O'Leary (2&1)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

W J Casper & R Floyd lost to P Oosterhuis & A Jacklin (2&1)
T Weiskopf & L Graham beat E Darcy & C O'Connor Jr (3&2)
J W Nicklaus & R Murphy halved with B W Barnes & B J Gallacher
L Trevino & H Irwin beat T Horton & J O'Leary (2&1)

Saturday

Foursomes: Morning:

W J Casper & J Miller halved with P Oosterhuis & A Jacklin
J W Nicklaus & J C Snead beat T Horton & N Wood (4&2)
G Littler & L Graham beat B W Barnes & B J Gallacher (5&3)
A Geiberger & R Floyd halved with E Darcy & G L Hunt

Fourballs: Afternoon:

L Trevino & R Murphy lost to A Jacklin & B W Barnes (3&2)
T Weiskopf & J Miller beat C O'Connor Jr & J O'Leary (5&3)
H Irwin & W J Casper beat P Oosterhuis & M Bembridge (3&2)
A Geiberger & L Graham beat E Darcy & G L Hunt (3&2)

Sunday

Singles: Morning:

R Murphy beat A Jacklin (2&1)
J Miller lost to P Oosterhuis (2 holes)
L Trevino halved with B J Gallacher
H Irwin halved with T Horton
G Littler beat B G C Huggett (4&2)
W J Casper beat E Darcy (3&2)
T Weiskopf beat G L Hunt (5&3)
J W Nicklaus lost to B W Barnes (4&2)

Singles: Afternoon:

R Floyd beat A Jacklin (1 hole)
C Snead lost to P Oosterhuis (3&2)
A Geiberger halved with B J Gallacher
L Graham lost to T Horton (2&1)
H Irwin beat J O'Leary (2&1)
R Murphy beat M Bembridge (2&1)
L Trevino lost to N Wood (2&1)
J W Nicklaus lost to B W Barnes (2&1)

Old Muirfield, Scotland

Europe

13 - 19

USA

Scotland played host to The Ryder Cup for the first time in 1973, but the surroundings at Muirfield failed to inspire Great Britain and Ireland to end America's winning streak.

The format changed yet again, with 18-hole foursomes and fourballs on each of the first two days and two series of singles matches on the third day. But it had all looked so promising on the opening day, with the Brits establishing a three-point lead. Bernard Gallacher and Brian Barnes impressed together, winning maximum points, but then disaster struck. Gallacher contracted food poisoning, with Peter Butler having to step in at the 11th hour.

The replacement did make his mark by becoming the first player to strike a hole-in-one in The Ryder Cup. However, the Americans fought back strongly and Butler and Barnes were unable to repeat the team's heroics of day one, with Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf in dominant form.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

B W Barnes & B J Gallacher beat L Trevino & W J Casper (1 hole)
C O'Connor & N C Coles beat T Weiskopf & J C Snead (3&2)
A Jacklin & P A Oosterhuis halved with J Rodriguez & L Graham
M E Bembridge & E Polland lost to J W Nicklaus & A Palmer (6&5)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

B W Barnes & B J Gallacher beat T Aaron & G Brewer (5&4)
M E Bembridge & B Huggett beat A Palmer & J W Nicklaus (3&1)
A Jacklin & P Oosterhuis beat T Weiskopf & W J Casper (3&1)
C O'Connor & N C Coles lost to L Trevino & H Blancas (2&1)

Saturday

Foursomes: Morning:

B W Barnes & P J Butler lost to J W Nicklaus & T Weiskopf (1 hole)
P A Oosterhuis & A Jacklin beat A Palmer & D Hill (2 holes)
M E Bembridge & B Huggett beat J Rodriguez & L Graham (5&4)
N C Coles & C O'Connor lost to L Trevino & W Casper (2&1)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

B W Barnes & P J Butler lost to J C Snead & A Palmer (2 holes)
A Jacklin & P A Oosterhuis lost to G Brewer & W Casper (3&2)
C Clark & E Polland lost to J W Nicklaus & T Weiskopf (3&2)
M E Bembridge & B Huggett halved with L Trevino & H Blancas

Sunday

Singles: Morning:

B W Barnes lost to W J Casper (2&1)
B J Gallacher lost to T Weiskopf (3&1)
P J Butler lost to H Blancas (5&4)
A Jacklin beat T Aaron (3&1)
N C Coles halved with G Brewer
C O'Connor lost to J C Snead (1 hole)
M E Bembridge halved with J W Nicklaus
P A Oosterhuis halved with L Trevino

Singles: Afternoon:

B Huggett beat H Blancas (4&2)
B W Barnes lost to J C Snead (3&1)
B J Gallacher lost to G Brewer (6&5)
A Jacklin lost to W J Casper (2&1)
N C Coles lost to L Trevino (6&5)
N C Coles lost to L Trevino (6&5)
C O'Connor halved with T Weiskopf
M E Bembridge lost to J W Nicklaus (2 holes)
P A Oosterhuis beat A Palmer (4&2)

Old Warson CC, Missouri

Europe

18 1/2 - 13 1/2

USA

An American win restored normal order in Missouri after the drawn contest in 1969, but Eric Brown's British team did manage to make a much bigger impression than on previous trips to America.

Their score was considerably better than expected and the debut of Peter Oosterhuis gave cause for optimism as he beat Arnold Palmer in the singles. After a good start by the visitors, the match turned on the fourballs, with the US taking six points from eight. The fourballs also produced the biggest moment of controversy when Bernard Gallacher's caddie asked Palmer what club he had used on the 17th hole.

Palmer and his partner Gardiner Dickinson consulted a referee and the hole was given to the Americans because the Britons had contravened a rule governing illegal requests for advice. The match was already moving in the favour of the US by that stage, and Lee Trevino proved to be the home side's hero taking four points just weeks after undergoing an appendectomy.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

W Casper & M Barber lost to N C Coles & C O'Connor (2&1)
A Palmer & G Dickinson beat P Townsend & P Oosterhuis (1 hole)
J Nicklaus & D Stockton lost to B G C Huggett & A Jacklin (3&2)
C Coody & F Beard lost to M Bembridge & P J Butler (1 hole)

Foursomes: Afternoon:

W Casper & M Barber lost to H Bannerman & B Gallacher (2&1)
A Palmer & G Dickinson beat P Townsend & P Oosterhuis (1 hole)
L Trevino & M Rudolph halved with B G C Huggett & A Jacklin
J Nicklaus & J C Snead beat M Bembridge & P J Butler (5&3)

Saturday

Fourballs: Morning:

L Trevino & M Rudolph beat C O'Connor & B Barnes (2&1)
F Beard & J C Snead beat N C Coles & J Garner (2&1)
A Palmer & G Dickinson beat P Oosterhuis & B Gallacher (5&4)
J Nicklaus & G Littler beat P Townsend & H Bannerman (2&1)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

L Trevino & W Casper lost to B Gallacher & P Oosterhuis (1 hole)
G Littler & J C Snead beat A Jacklin & B Huggett (2&1)
A Palmer & J Nicklaus beat P Townsend & H Bannerman (1 hole)
C Coody & F Beard halved with N C Coles & C O'Connor

Sunday

Singles: Morning:

L Trevino beat A Jacklin (1 hole)
D Stockton halved with B Gallacher
M Rudolph lost to B Barnes (1 hole)
G Littler lost to P Oosterhuis (4&3)
J Nicklaus beat P Townsend (3&2)
G Dickinson beat C O'Connor (5&4)
A Palmer halved with H Bannerman
F Beard halved with N C Coles

Singles: Afternoon:

L Trevino beat B Huggett (7&6)
J C Snead beat A Jacklin (1 hole)
M Barber lost to B Barnes (2&1)
D Stockton beat P Townsend (1 hole)
C Coody lost to B Gallacher (2&1)
J Nicklaus beat N C Coles (5&3)
A Palmer lost to P Oosterhuis (3&2)
G Dickinson lost to H Bannerman (2&1)

Royal Birkdale, Lancashire

Europe

16 - 16

USA

While American dominance rendered the previous tournament meaningless as a competitive event, it's hard to think of a better example of Ryder Cup golf than Birkdale in 1969.

It came down to the last hole of the last match between new British hope Tony Jacklin and the formidable Jack Nicklaus. On their way down the final fairway the American called out: "How do you feel Tony?" Jacklin replied: "Bloody awful."

Nicklaus played the better hole and sank a four-foot putt, leaving Jacklin a three-footer to force the first ever tie in The Ryder Cup. The American then made one of the great sporting gestures, picking up his opponent's ball marker rather than forcing Jacklin to putt out. He said: "I don't think you would have missed that Tony, but I didn't want to give you the chance."

Nicklaus incurred the wrath of US skipper Sam Snead for his decision, as the close competition brought out the best and worst of those involved. British skipper Eric Brown had earlier instructed his players not to look for American balls if they landed in the rough.

And during one of the fourballs on the second day the captains had to come out and calm down the warring players. The tone for the future had been set, both good and bad.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

N C Coles & B G C Huggett beat M Barber & R Floyd (3&2)
B Gallacher & M Bembridge beat L Trevino & K Still (2&1)
A Jacklin & P Townsend beat D Hill & T Aaron (3&1)
C O'Connor & P Alliss halved with W Casper & F Beard

Foursomes: Afternoon:

N C Coles & B G C Huggett lost to D Hill & T Aaron (1 hole)
B Gallacher & M Bembridge lost to L Trevino & G Littler (1 hole)
A Jacklin & P Townsend beat W Casper & F Beard (1 hole)
P J Butler & B J Hunt lost to J Nicklaus & D Sikes (1 hole)

Saturday

Fourballs: Morning:

C O'Connor & P Townsend beat D Hill & D Douglass (1 hole)
B G C Huggett & G A Caygill halved with R Floyd & M Barber
B Barnes & P Alliss lost to L Trevino & G Littler (1 hole)
A Jacklin & N C Coles beat J Nicklaus & D Sikes (1 hole)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

P J Butler & P Townsend lost to W Casper & F Beard (2 holes)
B G C Huggett & B Gallacher lost to D Hill & K Still (2&1)
M Bembridge & B J Hunt halved with T Aaron & R Floyd
A Jacklin & N C Coles halved with L Trevino & M Barber

Sunday

Singles: Morning:

P Alliss lost to L Trevino (2&1)
P Townsend lost to D Hill (5&4)
N C Coles beat T Aaron (1 hole)
B Barnes lost to W Casper (1 hole)
C O'Connor beat F Beard (5&4)
M Bembridge beat K Still (1 hole)
P J Butler beat R Floyd (1 hole)
A Jacklin beat J Nicklaus (4&3)

Singles: Afternoon:

B Barnes lost to D Hill (4&2)
B Gallacher beat L Trevino (4&3)
M Bembridge lost to M Barber (7&6)
P J Butler beat D Douglass (3&2)
N C Coles lost to D Sikes (4&3)
C O'Connor lost to G Littler (2&1)
B G C Huggett halved with W Casper
A Jacklin halved with J Nicklaus

Champions GC, Texas

Europe

23 1/2 - 8 1/2

USA

The low point for Great Britain and Ireland in The Ryder Cup came when Ben Hogan led a team without their best player, Jack Nicklaus, to the biggest win in the competition's history.

Nicklaus was ineligible as he was yet to complete his five-year period as a member of the PGA, but the US had simply too much talent for their opponents. Gardner Dickinson and Arnold Palmer were unbeaten in their five matches as the US romped to victory.

By now, The Ryder Cup itself was in danger as television companies and many American players lost interest. A gripping encounter was needed soon.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

W Casper & J Boros halved with B G C Huggett & G Will
A Palmer & G Dickinson beat P Alliss & C O'Connor (2&1)
D Sanders & G Brewer lost to A Jacklin & D C Thomas (4&3)
R Nichols & J Pott beat B J Hunt & N C Coles (6&5)

Foursomes: Afternoon:

W Casper & J Boros beat B G C Huggett & G Will (1 hole)
G Dickinson & A Palmer beat M Gregson & H Boyle (5&4)
G Littler & A Geiberger lost to A Jacklin & D C Thomas (3&2)
R Nichols & J Pott beat P Alliss & C O'Connor (2&1)

Saturday

Fourballs: Morning:

W Casper & G Brewer beat P Alliss & C O'Connor (3&2)
R Nichols & J Pott beat B J Hunt & N C Coles (1 hole)
G Littler & A Geiberger beat A Jacklin & D C Thomas (1 hole)
G Dickinson & D Sanders beat B G C Huggett & G Will (3&2)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

W Casper & G Brewer beat B J Hunt & N C Coles (5&3)
G Dickinson & D Sanders beat P Alliss & M Gregson (3&2)
A Palmer & J Boros beat G Will & H Boyle (1 hole)
G Littler & A Geiberger halved with A Jacklin & D C Thomas

Sunday

Singles: Morning:

G Brewer beat H Boyle (4&3)
W Casper beat P Alliss (2&1)
A Palmer beat A Jacklin (3&2)
J Boros lost to B G C Huggett (1 hole)
D Sanders lost to N C Coles (2&1)
A Geiberger beat M Gregson (4&2)
G Littler halved with D C Thomas
R Nichols halved with B J Hunt

Singles: Afternoon:

A Palmer beat B G C Huggett (5&3)
G Brewer lost to P Alliss (2&1)
G Dickinson beat A Jacklin (3&2)
R Nichols beat C O'Connor (3&2)
J Pott beat G Will (3&1)
A Geiberger beat M Gregson (2&1)
B J Hunt halved with J Boros
D Sanders lost to N C Coles (2&1)

Royal Birkdale

Europe

12 1/2 - 19 1/2

USA

In the face of American supremacy, the only realistic hope of victory for the Great Britain and Ireland team came at home, and for a time they did muster a challenge at Birkdale.

The home side made an uncharacteristically good start, sharing the foursomes and keeping pace with the visitors to trail just 9-7 going into the decisive singles. However, it was in the singles the Americans showed their strength. Britain would have reclaimed The Ryder Cup comfortably had all the matches been played over nine holes, but when the pressure moments arrived, their rivals held their nerve.

The US team mastered the local conditions far better then the Brits and skipper Byron Nelson saw victory all but assured as his first four players came back with a point each. Tony Lema was the star performer with five wins out of a possible six.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

L Platts & P J Butler lost to J Boros & A Lema (1 hole)
D C Thomas & G Will beat A Palmer & D Marr (6&5)
B J Hunt & N C Coles lost to W Casper & G Littler (2&1)
P Alliss & C O'Connor beat K Venturi & D January (5&4)

Foursomes: Afternoon:

D C Thomas & G Will lost to A Palmer & D Marr (6&5)
P Alliss & C O'Connor beat W Casper & G Littler (2&1)
J Martin & J Hitchcock lost to J Boros & A Lema (5&4)
B J Hunt & N C Coles beat K Venturi & D January (3&2)

Saturday

Fourballs: Morning:

D C Thomas & G Will lost to D January & T Jacobs (1 hole)
L Platts & P Butler halved with W Casper & G Littler
P Alliss & C O'Connor lost to A Palmer & D Marr (6&4)
B J Hunt & N C Coles beat J Boros & A Lema (1 hole)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

P Alliss & C O'Connor beat A Palmer & D Marr (2 holes)
DC Thomas & G Will lost to D January & T Jacobs (1 hole)
L Platts & P J Butler halved with W Casper & G Littler
B J Hunt & N C Coles lost to K Venturi & A Lema (1 hole)

Sunday

Singles: Morning:

J Hitchcock lost to A Palmer (3&2)
L Platts lost to J Boros (4&2)
P J Butler lost to A Lema (1 hole)
N C Coles lost to D Marr (2 holes)
B J Hunt beat G Littler (2 holes)
D C Thomas lost to T Jacobs (2&1)
P Alliss beat W Casper (1 hole)
G Will halved with D January

Singles: Afternoon:

C O'Connor lost to A Lema (6&4)
J Hitchcock lost to J Boros (2&1)
P J Butler lost to A Palmer (2 holes)
P Alliss beat K Venturi (3&1)
N C Coles beat W Casper (3&2)
G Will lost to G Littler (2&1)
B J Hunt lost to D Marr (1 hole)
L Platts beat T Jacobs (1 hole)

East Lake CC

Europe

23 - 9

USA

Following the changes to the format introduced in 1961, further alterations were made in an attempt to liven up what was becoming a very predictable event.

Two sets of fourballs were introduced, but they proved even less fruitful for the Brits than the foursomes, and they failed to muster a single win. The Americans claimed seven points and, having already built a three-point advantage in the foursomes, their tally made the final day's singles irrelevant. That did not stop the US pulling out all the stops, however, and they took seven wins from eight matches in the afternoon head-to-head matches.

Peter Alliss did manage a memorable win over US skipper Arnold Palmer, but the gulf in class was becoming impossible to ignore. Henry Cotton said: "We have again been outclassed. The present top home players, by no means poor performers, are leagues outside the top American ones."

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

A Palmer & J Pott lost to B Huggett & G Will (3&2)
W Casper & D Ragan beat P Alliss & C O'Connor (1 hole)
J Boros & A Lema halved with N C Coles & B J Hunt
G Littler & D Finsterwald halved with D Thomas & H Weetman

Foursomes: Afternoon:

W Maxwell & R Goalby beat D Thomas & H Weetman (4&3)
A Palmer & W Casper beat B Huggett & G Will (5&4)
G Littler & D Finsterwald lost to N C Coles & G M Hunt (2&1)
J Boros & A Lema beat T B Haliburton & B J Hunt (1 hole)

Saturday

Fourballs: Morning:

A Palmer & D Finsterwald beat B Huggett & D Thomas (5&4)
G Littler & J Boros halved with P Alliss & B J Hunt
W Casper & W Maxwell beat H Weetman & G Will (3&2)
R Goalby & D Ragan beat N C Coles & C O'Connor (1 hole)

Fourballs: Afternoon:

A Palmer & D Finsterwald beat N C Coles & C O'Connor (3&2)
A Lema & J Pott beat P Alliss & B J Hunt (1 hole)
W Casper & W Maxwell beat T B Haliburton & G M Hunt (2&1)
R Goalby & D Ragan halved with B Huggett & D Thomas

Sunday

Singles: Morning:

A Lema beat G M Hunt (5&3)
J Pott lost to B Huggett (3&1)
A Palmer lost to P Alliss (1 hole)
W Casper halved with N C Coles
R Goalby beat D Thomas (3&2)
G Littler beat C O'Connor (1 hole)
J Boros lost to H Weetman (1 hole)
D Finsterwald lost to B J Hunt (2 holes)

Singles: Afternoon:

A Palmer beat G Will (3&2)
D Ragan beat N C Coles (2&1)
A Lema halved with P Alliss
G Littler beat T B Haliburton (6&5)
J Boros beat H Weetman (2&1)
W Maxwell beat C O'Connor (2&1)
D Finsterwald beat D Thomas (4&3)
R Goalby beat B J Hunt (2&1)

Royal Lytham, Lancashire

Europe

9 1/2 - 14 1/2

USA

Royal Lytham saw the format of The Ryder Cup change for the first time, with the number of points at stake doubling to 24 and all matches played over 18 holes instead of 36.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

C O'Connor & P Alliss beat D Ford & G Littler (4&3)
J Panton & B J Hunt lost to A Wall & J Herbert (4&3)
D J Rees & K Bousfield lost to W Casper & A Palmer (2&1)
T B Haliburton & N C Coles lost to W Collins & M Souchak (1 hole)

Foursomes: Afternoon:

C O'Connor & P Alliss lost to A Wall & J Herbert (1 hole)
J Panton & B J Hunt lost to W Casper & A Palmer (5&4)
D J Rees & K Bousfield beat W Collins & M Souchak (2&1)
T B Haliburton & N C Coles lost to J Barber & D Finsterwald (1 hole)

Saturday

Singles: Morning:

H Weetman lost to D Ford (1 hole)
R L Moffitt lost to M Souchak (5&4)
P Alliss halved with A Palmer
K Bousfield lost to W Casper (5&3)
D J Rees beat J Herbert (2&1)
N C Coles halved with G Littler
B J Hunt beat J Barber (5&4)
C O'Connor lost to D Finsterwald (2&1)

Sunday

Singles: Afternoon:

H Weetman lost to A Wall (1 hole)
P Alliss beat W Collins (3&2)
B J Hunt lost to M Souchak (2&1)
T B Haliburton lost to A Palmer (2&1)
D J Rees beat D Ford (4&3)
K Bousfield beat J Barber (1 hole)
N C Coles beat D Finsterwald (1 hole)
C O'Connor halved with G Littler

Eldorado CC, California

Europe

8 1/2 - 3 1/2

USA

Britain's defence of The Ryder Cup was overshadowed by the team's terrifying journey to Palm Springs. The plane the players were travelling on plunged 4,000 feet in severe turbulence, prompting several of those on board to think of the Manchester United football team's air crash in 1958.

The plane the players were travelling on plunged 4,000 feet in severe turbulence, prompting several of those on board to think of the Manchester United football team's air crash in 1958. More than a few were seen to be kissing the ground in relief on their safe landing in Los Angeles, and the team eventually made its way to Palm Springs by bus. That the Brits did not play well is not surprising, but the US were as strong as ever.

Britain stayed in touch in the foursomes, with Peter Alliss and Christy O'Connor claiming a much-needed point. But the US took revenge for their singles drubbing two years earlier, when they had lost five of the seven matches, taking five of the seven available points.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes:

R Rosburg & M Souchak beat B J Hunt & E C Brown (5&4)
J Boros & D Finsterwald beat D J Rees & K Bousfield (2 holes)
A Wall & D Ford lost to C O'Connor & P Alliss (3&2)
S Snead & C Middlecoff halved with H Weetman & D C Thomas

Saturday

Singles:

D Ford halved with N V Drew
M Souchak beat K Bousfield (3&2)
R Rosburg beat H Weetman (6&5)
S Snead beat D C Thomas (6&5)
A Wall beat C O'Connor (7&6)
D Finsterwald beat D J Rees (1 hole)
J Herbert halved with P Alliss
C Middlecoff lost to E C Brown (4&3)

Lindrick, Yorkshire

Europe

7 1/2 - 4 1/2

USA

Lindrick showed that when Great Britain and Ireland were able to get close to the US team, the crowd could help unsettle the visitors.

After a predictable start that saw the Americans take the foursomes 3-1, British skipper Dai Rees held a team meeting during which Max Faulkner and Harry Weetman apparently volunteered to stand down for the singles. What followed was probably the finest day of Ryder Cup play from a Great Britain and Ireland team before the Europeans joined forces. Not only did the home side rally to take five of the seven singles, they genuinely embarrassed the visitors in several matches.

Rees and Christy O'Connor had 7&6 victories, while Eric Brown won a fiery encounter with Tommy Bolt 4&3. Bolt was furious with the crowd and later claimed they were the worst in the world. "I guess you won but I did not enjoy it one bit," the American said afterwards. "And nor would I after the licking I have just given you," Brown replied.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes:

P Alliss & B J Hunt lost to D Ford & D Finsterwald (2&1)
K Bousfield & D J Rees beat A Wall & F Hawkins (3&2)
M Faulkner & H Weetman lost to T Kroll & J Burke (4&3)
C O'Connor & E C Brown lost to R Mayer & T Bolt (7&5)

Saturday

Singles:

E C Brown beat T Bolt (4&3)
R P Mills beat J Burke (5&3)
P Alliss lost to F Hawkins (2&1)
K Bousfield beat L Hebert (4&3)
D J Rees beat E Furgol (7&6)
B J Hunt beat D Ford (6&5)
C O'Connor beat D Finsterwald (7&6)
H Bradshaw halved with R Mayer

Thunderbird CC, California

Europe

8 - 4

USA

The Americans were considered strong favourites before the tournament.

The very fact their visitors managed to score four points was in itself considered something of a victory. It was the Britain and Ireland's best ever score in the US and at the Trophy Presentation Lord Brabazon of Tara, president of the PGA of Great Britain promised improvement.

"We've learned a lot, although we have lost, and we are going back to practice in the streets and on the beaches," he said.

Britain had, for the first time, travelled with a team chosen through rankings in the Order of Merit, but in truth they had little impact against a team that included five debutants. The US took their customary 3-1 lead from the foursomes and new boy Tommy Bolt won his second point of the event with a singles win over Christy O'Connor to keep the momentum going.

The victory ensured that America's hold on The Ryder Cup had stretched to 21 years.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes:

C Harper & J Barber lost to J Fallon & J R M Jacobs (1 hole)
D Ford & T Kroll beat E C Brown & S S Scott (5&4)
J Burke & T Bolt beat A Lees & H Weetman (1 hole)
S Snead & C Middlecoff beat H Bradshaw & D J Rees (3&2)

Saturday

Singles:

T Bolt beat C O'Connor (4&2)
C Harbert beat S S Scott (3&2)
C Middlecoff lost to J R M Jacobs (1 hole)
S Snead beat D J Rees (3&1)
M Furgol lost to A Lees (3&2)
J Barber lost to E C Brown (3&2)
J Burke beat H Bradshaw (3&2)
D Ford beat H Weetman (3&2)

Wentworth, Surrey

Europe

5 1/2 - 6 1/2

USA

Optimism abounded in the home team after the peerless Ben Hogan decided not play any 36-hole matches in the 1953 season. The American was in spectacular form, winning all three Majors he entered that year, and his absence was a real boost for Henry Cotton's men.

But the British skipper handed the initiative back to the US by deciding to leave out the experienced Max Faulkner and Dai Rees for the opening foursomes. With four debutants in the British team, the US took a 3-1 lead. It would prove too much to come back from, but only just.

In a key game, 22-year-old Peter Alliss was only one down against Jim Turnesa and in a good position on the 18th.

However, he took four shots from the fringe of the green and lost his match, saying afterwards: "I made an awful bodge of it and that was that."

It was still not over as Bernard Hunt had a putt from four feet to claim the consolation of a draw for Great Britain and Ireland, but he missed and the US kept their grip on the trophy.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes:

H Weetman & P Alliss lost to D Douglas & E Oliver (2&1)
E C Brown & J Panton lost to L Mangrum & S Snead (8&7)
J Adams & B J Hunt lost to T Kroll & J Burke (7&5)
F Daly & H Bradshaw beat W Burkemo & C Middlecoff (1 hole)

Saturday

Singles:

D J Rees lost to J Burke (2&1)
F Daly beat T Kroll (9&7)
E C Brown beat L Mangrum (2 holes)
H Weetman beat S Snead (1 hole)
M Faulkner lost to C Middlecoff (3&1)
P Alliss lost to J Turnesa (1 hole)
B J Hunt halved with D Douglas
H Bradshaw beat F Haas (3&2)

Pinehurst CC, North Carolina

Europe

9 1/2 - 2 1/2

USA

Back on home soil, the Americans claimed a fifth straight win with ease, proving the British were as far away as ever from getting their first win in the States. Sam Snead's team dominated the opening foursomes and carved out a 3-1 lead on the first day.

Only Arthur Lees managed to disrupt the American victory procession, with a win not only in the foursomes, but in the singles as well. With the likes of Snead, Ben Hogan, Jimmy Demaret and Lloyd Mangrum on their team, the US were always likely to dominate, and so they did. Over the two days only two of the 12 matches reached the 18th hole.

Jack Burke Jr made his mark by joining more illustrious team-mates like Snead and Hogan in winning two points for the Americans, while Demaret produced some magical bunker play to defeat veteran Dai Rees. The Brits could not wait to get home.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes:

C Heafner & J Burke beat M Faulkner & D J Rees (5&3)
E Oliver & H Ransom lost to C H Ward & A Lees (2&1)
S Snead & L Mangrum beat J Adams & J Panton (5&4)
B Hogan & J Demaret beat F Daly & K Bousfield (5&4)

Saturday

Singles:

J Burke beat J Adams (4&3)
J Demaret beat D J Rees (2 holes)
C Heafner halved with F Daly
E Oliver lost to A Lees (2&1)
B Hogan beat C H Ward (3&2)
S Alexander beat J Panton (8&7)
S Snead beat M Faulkner (4&3)

Ganton, Yorkshire

Europe

5 - 7

USA

The Americans proved their 1937 victory at Southport and Ainsdale was no fluke by registering a second Ryder Cup win in Britain. However, it was far from plain sailing for the all-stars from overseas, with Great Britain carving out a 3-1 lead in the opening foursomes.

That meant the Brits needed just three-and-a-half points from a possible eight in the singles to regain The Ryder Cup, but the Americans were not to be outdone in the head-to-head clashes. Only Dai Rees and Jimmy Adams got the better of their opponents in the singles as the visitors finished with a flourish.

The first tangible signs of tension between the teams surfaced in 1949 when US skipper Ben Hogan complained about the clubs being used by the Brits.

Two years earlier, Henry Cotton had made a similar remark about Hogan's clubs and this was seen as a retaliatory gesture. Hogan may well have had a point because the British players were indeed instructed to file down prohibited club-face grooves before the match.

A sign of things to come?

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes:

M Faulkner & J Adams beat E J Harrison & J Palmer (2&1)
F Daly & K Bousfield beat R Hamilton & S Alexander (4&2)
C H Ward & S L King lost to J Demaret & C Heafner (4&3)
R Burton & A Lees beat S Snead & L Mangrum (1 hole)

Saturday

Singles:

M Faulkner lost to E J Harrison (8&7)
J Adams beat J Palmer (2&1)
C H Ward lost to S Snead (6&5)
D J Rees beat R Hamilton (6&4)
S L King lost to C Harbert (4&3)
A Lees lost to J Demaret (7&6)
F Daly lost to L Mangrum (4&3)

Portland GC, Oregon

Europe

11 - 1

USA

World War Two knocked The Ryder Cup off the golfing calendar for a decade, though the United States were keen to get back to winning ways much sooner than 1947.

In 1942, hoping that the war would soon be at an end, they named a provisional Ryder Cup team to play in 1943. Sadly, events in Europe took longer to unfold and 1947 marked the return to competitive action - not that Great Britain could muster much in the way of competition.

Oregon fruit grower Robert Hudson funded the British passage to his native state, but the Americans, who were led for the first time by Ben Hogan, routed the visitors. Only one of the matches at rain-soaked Portland went as far as the 17th green, as the United States thrashed their beleaguered opponents.

Sam King was the only British winner, beating Herman Keiser in the singles. Hogan rested himself for the final day, such was the comfort of his side's victory. Besides events in Oregon, British golf had another genuine cause for mourning in 1947 with the death of Abe Mitchell, the golfer whose figure rests on top of The Ryder Cup trophy.

Mitchell had been Samuel Ryder's golf teacher and an inspirational figure for the founding father of the tournament. Ryder himself had died 11 years earlier in 1936.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes:

E Oliver & L Worsham beat T H Cotton & A Lees (10&8)
S Snead & L Mangrum beat F Daly & C H Ward (6&5)
B Hogan & J Demaret beat J Adams & M Faulkener (2 holes)
B Nelson & H Barron beat D J Rees & S L King (2&1)

Saturday

Singles:

E J Harrison beat F Daly (5&4)
L Worsham beat J Adams (3&2)
E Oliver beat C H Ward (4&3)
B Nelson beat A Lees (2&1)
S Snead beat T H Cotton (5&4)
J Demaret beat D J Rees (3&2)
H Keiser lost to S L King (4&3)

Southport & Ainsdale, Lancashire

Europe

4 - 8

USA

Even the return of Henry Cotton to the Great Britain side was not enough to prevent the Americans from winning The Ryder Cup on British soil for the first time.

It was, in fact, the first time a visiting team had walked off with the trophy in the tournament's brief history, but there could have been quite a different ending to the story at the Lancashire links. The match was tied at 4-4, with Great Britain looking well placed to regain The Ryder Cup.

Cotton, who had been comfortably beaten in the foursomes, won a deserved point to tie the scores by beating Tony Manero 5&3.

However, victories in the last four singles matches by Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead, Ed Dudley and Henry Picard brought an end to British hopes. Sarazen's single hole victory over Percy Alliss came courtesy of a birdie two at the 15th, where his tee shot landed in the lap of a woman spectator and bounced back onto the green as she stood up to shake it off.

The 1937 match proved to be the final Ryder Cup before the intervention of the Second World War, with the 1939 event, planned for Florida, cancelled.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes:

A H Padham & T H Cotton lost to E Dudley & B Nelson (4&2)
A J Lacey & W J Cox lost to R Guldahl & T Manero (2&1)
C A Whitcombe & D J Rees halved with G Sarazen & D Shute
P Alliss & R Burton beat H Picard & J Revolta (2&1)

Saturday

Singles:

A H Padham lost to R Guldahl (8&7)
S L King halved with D Shute
D J Rees beat B Nelson (3&1)
T H Cotton beat T Manero (5&3)
P Alliss lost to G Sarazen (1 hole)
R Burton lost to S Snead (5&4)
A Perry lost to E Dudley (2&1)
A J Lacey lost to H Picard (2&1)

Ridgewood CC, New Jersey

Europe

9 - 3

USA

As was the case in 1933, a combination of Henry Cotton's exile in Belgium and the residency rule again deprived the British team of his services.

However, even the inclusion of Cotton may not have made a difference in the face of such strong American opposition playing at home. The Ryder Cup continued its fluctuating coming and going across the Atlantic as the trophy was once again won by the hosts, with Great Britain only managing two victories and a couple of halves.

American duo Walter Hagen and Gene Sarazen, who never enjoyed the closest of relationships, got on well enough to join forces in defeating the common enemy with clinical precision.

The pair won together in the foursomes and set the tone for a one-sided encounter. Percy Alliss - father of BBC golf commentator Peter Alliss - was one of the few British success stories with a victory in the singles.

The other full point came from the sibling pairing of Ernest and Charles Whitcombe, though third brother Reg failed to register.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes:

G Sarazen & W Hagen beat A Perry & J Busson (7&6)
H Picard & J Revolta beat A H Padgham & P Alliss (6&5)
P Runyan & H Smith beat W J Cox & E W Jarman (9&8)
O Dutra & K Laffoon lost to C A Whitcombe & E R Whitcombe (1 hole)

Saturday

Singles:

G Sarazen beat J Busson (3&2)
P Runyan beat R Burton (5&3)
J Revolta beat R Whitcombe (2&1)
O Dutra beat A H Padgham (4&2)
C Wood lost to P Alliss (1 hole)
H Smith halved with W J Cox
H Picard beat E R Whitcombe (3&2)
S Parks halved with A Perry

Southport & Ainsdale, Lancashire

Europe

6 1/2 - 5 1/2

USA

JH Taylor, Britain's first non-playing captain, was a rigid disciplinarian and did not get on at all well with the flamboyant Walter Hagen, who almost accidentally hit him with a practice swing on the first tee.

The windy conditions were more to Britain's liking, but, as was the case in 1931, the team were without Henry Cotton. He was not selected because of a rule stipulating that all players should be resident in their home country.

Cotton had a professional post in Belgium, though Percy Alliss - an exile from 1931 - returned to the fold. On home turf Britain were a strong proposition, though the foursomes matches were particularly tight.

The Ryder Cup eventually came down to the last contest on the course, between Herman Densmore Shute and Sid Easterbrook. American Shute had a putt to win the match but missed two in succession to give Easterbrook a putt to for victory. He sunk his effort from three feet to reclaim the trophy for Great Britain and Ireland.

Shute made amends for his error by winning The Open, extending the run without a British winner of the Claret Jug to 10 years. Easterbrook was the only non-American in the top six at St Andrews, but The Ryder Cup kept the home fires burning.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes:

P Alliss & C A Whitcombe halved with G Sarazen & W Hagen
A Mitchell & A G Havers beat O Dutra & D Shute (3&2)
W H Davies & S Easterbrook beat C Wood & P Runyan (1 hole)
A H Padgham & A Perry lost to E Dudley & W Burke (1 hole)

Saturday

Singles:

A H Padgham lost to G Sarazen (6&4)
A Mitchell beat O Dutra (9&8)
A J Lacey lost to W Hagen (2&1)
W H Davies lost to C Wood (4&3)
P Alliss beat P Runyan (2&1)
A G Havers beat L Diegel (4&3)
S Easterbrook beat D Shute (1 hole)
C A Whitcombe lost to H Smith (2&1)

Scioto CC, Ohio

Europe

9 - 3

USA

The 100-degree heat at the Scioto Country Club stood in stark contrast to the windswept conditions in 1929, when the competition was held in Yorkshire. Besides the hot weather the British team were further hampered by the fact that three key players were missing.

The inspirational Henry Cotton was absent because he was refused permission to make his own travel arrangements to the States. Rather than concur with the official insistence that he make the trip with the rest of the team, he declined to play and a late compromise failed to placate him.

Percy Alliss and Aubrey Boomer, who had assorted connections with clubs in Germany, France and Belgium, were also excluded because residency rules dictated that only home-based players could take part in The Ryder Cup.

American captain Walter Hagen avenged his huge singles defeat against opposing captain George Duncan in 1929 by teaming up with Herman Densmore Shute to defeat Duncan and Arthur Havers 10&9. Shute was to go on and play a pivotal role in the 1933 Ryder Cup, where he made headlines of a different kind.

Britain did not just lose by six points, they surrendered many of them by big margins and returned home disconsolate.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes:

G Sarazen & J Farrell beat A Compston & W H Davies (8&7)
W Hagen & D Shute beat G Duncan & A G Havers (10&9)
L Diegel & A Espinosa lost to A Mitchell & F Robson (3&1)
W Burke & W Cox beat S Easterbrook & E R Whitcombe (3&2)

Saturday

Singles:

W Burke beat A Compston (7&6)
G Sarazen beat F Robson (7&6)
J Farrell lost to W H Davies (4&3)
W Cox beat A Mitchell (3&1)
W Hagen beat C A Whitcombe (4&3)
D Shute beat B Hodson (8&6)
A Espinosa beat E R Whitcombe (2&1)
C Wood lost to A G Havers (4&3)

Moortown, Yorkshire

Europe

7 - 5

USA

The second Ryder Cup match took place in blustery April conditions, with 10,000 fans flocking to Leeds to see the famous Americans in action.

The US team were forced to bring their old hickory-shafted clubs as their new-fangled steel versions were still illegal. Despite that setback they began well, winning the foursomes 2½-1½.

But the tide turned in the singles, not least in the match between the two skippers.

George Duncan, the British captain, overheard his opposite number Walter Hagen telling Gene Sarazen he would be guaranteed a point when he faced Duncan in the singles. Outraged, Duncan went out and won the 36-hole contest 10&8.

Hagen recovered well enough to go on to win The Open at Muirfield a fortnight later, but Britain won The Ryder Cup 7-5 and the competition was well and truly underway.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes:

C A Whitcombe & A Compston halved with J Farrell & J Turnesa
A Boomer & G Duncan lost to L Diegel & A Espinosa (7&5)
A Mitchell & F Robson beat G Sarazen & E Dudley (2&1)
E R Whitcombe & T H Cotton lost to J Golden & W Hagen (2 holes)

Saturday

Singles:

C A Whitcombe beat J Farrell (8&6)
G Duncan beat W Hagen (10&8)
A Mitchell lost to L Diegel (8&6)
A Compston beat G Sarazen (6&4)
A Boomer beat J Turnesa (4&3)
F Robson lost to H Smith (4&2)
T H Cotton beat A Watrous (4&3)
E R Whitcombe halved with A Espinosa

Worcester CC, Massachusetts

Europe

9 1/2 - 2 1/2

USA

The first official Ryder Cup match at Worcester, Massachusetts, involved a week-long sea passage for the Brits and Irish.

Abe Mitchell, who gave golf lessons to the Cup's benefactor Samuel Ryder, missed the competition with appendicitis. Walter Hagen's men won easily and, unlike the informal contest at Wentworth the year before, his team comprised of American-born players. All, that is, except Johnny Golden - an immigrant from eastern Europe.

Hagen avenged his defeat at the hands of Arthur Havers at The Open in Troon in 1923 when he beat him in the singles and British captain Ted Ray saw his team mostly outclassed. The only point won in the doubles came from the pairing of Aubrey Boomer and Charles Whitcombe, while George Duncan got the only British victory in the singles. Ray commented: "One of the chief reasons for our failure was the superior putting of the American team."

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes:

W Hagen & J Golden beat E Ray & F Robson (2&1)
J Farrell & J Turnesa beat G Duncan & A Compston (8&6)
G Sarazen & A Watrous beat A G Havers & H C Jolly (3&2)
L Diegel & W Melhorn lost to A Boomer & C A Whitcombe (7&5)

Saturday

Singles:

J Farrell beat A Boomer (5&4)
J Golden beat H C Jolly (8&7)
L Diegel beat E Ray (7&5)
G Sarazen halved with C A Whitcombe
W Hagen beat A G Havers (2&1)
A Watrous beat F Robson (3&2)
J Turnesa lost to G Duncan (1 hole)

Gleneagles, Scotland

Europe

USA

The first known international match between British and American amateur golfers was staged at Gleneagles in 1921, with the visitors winning 9-3. In 1926, St Albans seed merchant Samuel Ryder visited Wentworth for a pre-Open qualifying tournament and was dismayed to see American and British golfers standing apart from each other.

In an attempt to inject a touch of friendly rivalry, he set up a competition between the two factions. A prize fund of £5 for the winning team was put forward, along with a champagne and chicken sandwich buffet for after the match. The Britons won easily by 13½-1½, though Scotland's George Duncan was still moved to suggest he make it a regular event - and The Ryder Cup was born.

Ryder - a keen golfer - had hired his own golf professional to teach him and he honoured his mentor Abe Mitchell by insisting that it be his figure that adorned the top of The Ryder Cup.

The first tournament was not recognised as official because the US team was not representative. The players were chosen by Walter Hagen, who was captain in the first six Ryder Cup matches.

Four out of 10 were expatriate Brits and one was Australian, such were the 'Americans' at his disposal. In 1927, the first official Ryder Cup match took place.

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Whistling Straits, Milwaukee, United States

Europe

19 - 9

USA

It was dubbed the Slaughter by the Water - a humbling for Europe as their Ryder Cup hopes sank on the shores of Lake Michigan. Maybe the absence of most European fans at Whistling Straits in September 2021 due to the pandemic had some effect on their team’s lacklustre performance in Wisconsin.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes Morning:

Four-ball Afternoon:

Saturday

Foursomes Morning:

Four-ball Afternoon:

Sunday

Singles:

Le Golf National, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines

Europe

17 1/2 - 10 1/2

USA

A 'Moliwood' bromance inspired Europe to an emphatic victory in the 2018 Ryder Cup.

The scoring

Friday

Foursomes: Morning:

Fourballs: Afternoon:

Saturday

Foursomes: Morning:

Fourballs: Afternoon:

Sunday

Singles:

Hazeltine

Europe

11 - 17

USA

The death of Arnold Palmer on the eve of the Ryder Cup cast a shadow over proceedings at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota. Fittingly, the 41st edition became a tribute to this much-loved sporting icon who won 22 Ryder Cup matches for the United States.

The scoring

Friday