Ryder Cup: Relive European Victories in the US, Donald Seeks the Fifth

The Ryder Cup, often defined by the local atmosphere and the fervor of the fans, reaches its maximum expression with victories achieved in hostile territory. This year, Luke Donald returns as European captain with a team that many consider one of the strongest in history, with their sights set on a transcendental triumph on American soil. History suggests a considerable challenge at Bethpage Black, as Europe has only achieved four away victories against the United States. Each of those victories, laden with drama and heroism, has left an indelible mark.

1987: Muirfield Village, Ohio

In 1987, few outside the European team believed in the possibility of a victory on American soil. The United States maintained an undefeated home record of 13-0 for six decades. Despite Europe’s success at The Belfry in 1985, many considered the hosts to be the dominant force. Muirfield, the pride of Jack Nicklaus, was to reaffirm that superiority.

However, Tony Jacklin’s team had other plans. Led by the fire and passion of Seve Ballesteros and the precision of Nick Faldo, Europe took a 6-2 lead on the first day, winning all four afternoon matches. On Saturday, the lead widened to 10½-5½, leaving Europe on the verge of history. On Sunday, the pressure and the American comeback were inevitable, but the Europeans stood firm. Eamonn Darcy’s victory over Ben Crenshaw, whose broken putter became a symbol of American frustration, was crucial. Ballesteros, with four points, sealed the victory with a decisive putt, winning 2&1 over Curtis Strange. Europe showed that it could travel, compete, and conquer.

1995: Oak Hill Country Club, New York

In 1995, the Ryder Cup was no longer a one-sided American affair, but victories in the United States were still rare and revered. Europe arrived in Rochester under the direction of Bernard Gallacher, captain for the third and final time, after close defeats at Kiawah Island and The Belfry. The opposition was inexperienced, but ambitious, with rookies like Tom Lehman and Phil Mickelson, along with major winners like Corey Pavin, Ben Crenshaw, Curtis Strange and Fred Couples. Europe had three of the six best golfers in the world: Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie. The United States led 9-7 before Sunday’s singles, which they had won in the last four Ryder Cups. What followed was one of the most clinical Sundays in Ryder Cup history. The visitors earned 7½ of the 12 singles points, winning the tournament 14½-13½. Despite the European talent, it was Irish rookie Philip Walton who kept his cool to win 1-up against Jay Haas and secure the crucial point. Europeans delivered at the most important moment.

2004: Oakland Hills Country Club, Michigan

In Oakland Hills in 2004, the final result never seemed to be in doubt. Europe, led by Langer, outperformed their American rivals from the start. The score of 18½-9½, a record at the time for a European team, did not reflect the magnitude of the victory. Europe dominated almost all sessions. The score was 6½-1½ at the end of Friday, when the expected Mickelson-Tiger Woods pairing was defeated, and 11-5 after two days.

The United States only won four singles matches on Sunday. It was a resounding defeat.

Every European player contributed to the scoreboard, a symbol of unity. Stars like Sergio García and Lee Westwood stood out, but the collective effort overwhelmed the United States. “The best team I’ve been a part of,” Montgomerie said later.

Oakland Hills was not just a victory, but a statement.

2012: Medinah Country Club, Illinois

Few sporting comebacks equal what Europe achieved in Medinah. With a 10-6 disadvantage before the last day, and facing an American team in a deafening atmosphere, José María Olazábal’s team seemed defeated. Then a seismic shift arrived.

The spark ignited on Saturday, when Ian Poulter, in a state of grace, achieved birdies on the last five holes in his fourball match with Rory McIlroy, giving Europe a chance. On Sunday, the European players began to win matches. Donald set the pace. McIlroy arrived late, but delivered. Justin Rose’s finish, with a birdie-birdie, including a 40-foot putt on the 17th, was impressive. Martin Kaymer, under enormous pressure, holed a putt on the 18th to retain the cup. When Woods missed a four-foot putt to tie the last match with Francesco Molinari, it was all over. They won 8½ of the 12 individual points, surprising the United States and securing a 14½-13½ victory. Olazábal, with the silhouette of Ballesteros embroidered on his chest, dedicated the victory to his deceased friend a year earlier. Emotion burst from every European player. The Miracle of Medinah, the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup history, was completed.