Sam Torrance putt on the 18th in 1985 – first time in 28 years Europe had won
1985 saw Europe finally take the Ryder Cup back off the USA for the first time in 28 years. Europe went into the Sunday singles with a 9-7 lead. Sam Torrance and Andy North had been nip and tuck throughout the day with them going into the 18th hole at all square. Torrance found the 18th green in 2, giving him 3 puts from 18 foot to secure a historic win for team Europe. Torrance needed only one putt and the coveted trophy was finally back in European hands.
Seve driving the 10th in 1985
Seve Ballesteros is arguably one of the golfing greats and his drive on the 10th at the Belfry in 1985 was up there with one his best. The 291 yard par 4 saw Seve fly the water and roll all the way back to the far left hand side of the green in a round that saw him and his partner Manuel Pinero claim Europe’s only point of the opening foursome’s.
Christy O’Connor’s spectacular 2 iron – 1989
O’Connor was level with Fred Couples heading into the 18th hole. The Irishman chose to play safe landing his drive in the middle of the fairway but was a long way back from both the green and Couples’ soaring drive which had taken off a large chunk of the dog-legged hole. With 229 yards to the pin, O’Connor found that risk can be met with reward as he launched a 2 iron towards the green…
Following a few moments of suspense the ball landed on the green and rolled up onto the correct tier, eventually coming to rest 4 feet from the pin. The shot had put so much pressure on Couples that following his chip onto the green he picked up his ball without O’Connor even having to putt. This victory meant Europe tied the 1989 Ryder Cup 14-14 and retained the trophy.
Nick Faldo’s hole in one on the 14th in 1993
Only 6 players have ever scored a hole in one whilst competing in the coveted Ryder Cup. Sir Nick Faldo’s hole in one on the par 3, 14th was the second to ever happen and came 66 years after the Ryder cup began in 1927. His six-iron on the 189-yard hole, carried over the greenside bunker, pitched and then rolled into the hole. Faldo, prior to week’s play commencing had announced that he was going to get a hole in one this tournament, making the occasion all the more momentous. However, his incredible efforts were in vain as Europe went on to lose the 1993 Ryder Cup 15 points to 13.
Paul Mcginley holds his nerve and tops of victory with a lake dive – 2002
Colin Montgomerie led the way in an inspired fashion and with Phillip Price having just beaten Phil Mickelson 3&2 it was up to Ryder Cup rookie Paul Mcginley to half his match with Jim Furyk in order to confirm Europe’s comprehensive victory over the USA. Mcginley had left himself a 10-foot putt on the 18th green and when the ball finally dropped into the hole, the Irish rookie was so elated he jumped into the greenside lake to celebrate. He had secured Europe’s largest margin of victory since 1985 as they won 15 ½ – 12 ½.
2002 – Phillip Price 3 & 2 victory over Phil Mickelson
In the Sunday Singles of the 2002 Ryder Cup, the European Captain Sam Torrance had sent all his big name players out early with the US Captain, Curtis Strange opting for the alternative approach as he saved his best for last. The Welsh rookie Phillip Price was the right up against it as he was against the world number two at the time, Phil Mickelson. However, the underdog came out victorious with his comprehensive victory over Phil Mickelson 3&2 setting up Europe’s hopes at clinching the trophy. Which thanks to Paul Mcginley they were able to do.
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