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Claiming an overseas Ryder Cup is considered among the greatest accomplishments in professional golf, as noted Rory McIlroy. Not a single team boasts a impressive record on foreign soil. Since Europe became part of the event in 1979, the US squad has only won two wins overseas, with their previous away victory taking place in 1993. The European team’s lone win on American soil in the past twenty years was achieved at Medinah, a success that required nothing short of a miracle.

The Buildup: The European Squad Battling Obstacles

Among Europe’s four total victories on US soil – secured in 1995, 1987, 2012 and 2004 – their shock win at Oak Hill back in 1995 stands as a personal favourite for golf enthusiasts. Conditions were hardly positive for Bernard Gallacher’s side as they made their way to Oak Hill in 1995: the captain was hurt after previous failures; there were complaints about his team selection; a top performer was unavailable due to a foot problem; and other players were out of form.

Close losses in 1991 and 1993 had affected Gallacher, who quit from the role of captain and was urged to return because of a note from Bernhard Langer, a talk with Seve Ballesteros and a heartfelt appeal from Nick Faldo. “I’ve been swayed for the best motives,” he stated. “The bottom line, we believe that victory is possible.”

Skipper’s Calls: Difficult Picks

Gallacher’s first task had to choose his squad and, with just two captain’s picks, he faced the challenging job of leaving out a pair among Parnevik, Woosnam, Faldo and Olazábal. “He’s in a bind,” Woosnam complained. “He deserves no pity from me. He wanted this system and the risk is lacking our top performers.”

The captain noted that the players were responsible. “Everyone was aware since 1993 exactly how to earn a spot on the squad,” he stated before selecting Faldo along with Olazábal. However Woosnam qualified in the end, replacing Olazábal after he pulled out with a foot issue. The absence of the Spaniard was a significant blow, but Woosnam had earned four and a half points at the prior Ryder Cup and had been a finalist at Oak Hill in the 1989 US Open.

Team USA was powerful but had a potential flaw. A squad containing five newcomers – Mickelson, Lehman, Faxon, Roberts and Maggert – was a worry, influencing skipper Lanny Wadkins to pick the veteran pair of Fred Couples and Curtis Strange. There would be no place for British Open champion John Daly as the layout was not thought to suit his approach. Wadkins’ selection to pick Strange over the Players champ Lee Janzen was a unexpected move at the time and appeared questionable come the conclusion of the tournament.

Friday Action: USA Build a Early Advantage

News that Seve Ballesteros would be sitting out the morning foursomes was notable, but there was no chance Bernard Gallacher could play the Spaniard in the team format due to his recent performances. The duty of striking the nerve-racking first tee shot would fall on Colin Montgomerie’s shoulders, but his normally steady partnership with Faldo did not perform. Four down after five holes, the team tried to drag themselves back into their contest against Pavin and Lehman, but two poor shots from Faldo on the final hole handed the win to the Americans.

James and Clark struggled in a one-sided match to Love and Maggert, but the surprise pairing of Rocca and Torrance put Team Europe’s opening win on the board. The focus moved to the concluding alternate shot contest. Bernhard Langer and Per Ulrik-Johansson were coasting at plus three with six to play. But Ben Crenshaw and Curtis Strange fought back, leaving Langer with a six-foot putt on the final to win the match. Luckily for the visitors, there would be no recurrence of Kiawah in 1991; Langer’s key shot leveled Europe level: 2-2 after the opening round.

Day Two Drama: Europe Mount a Comeback

Behind 5-3 overnight, Europe required a big response in the second day’s early session and they promptly performed. Montgomerie and Faldo secured their first win; Gilford joined Langer to beat Pavin and Lehman; and Rocca and Torrance dominated Love and Maggert 6&5. “He provided stability of the team,” Torrance said of his playing companion, whose perfect shot at the par-3 sixth was part of a ideal session for Europe. The sole loss came when Woosnam paired with Walton lost to Jacobsen and Roberts. But, with the overall score at 6-6, European fans were delighted.

But, the better ball matches did not go as planned, with Europe dropping down by one before the crucial last match. As they reached the final green, Faldo and Langer were tied with Pavin alongside Roberts. Roberts holed a bogey-free finish, ensuring the US would at least tie the hole. They could go one better if Pavin chipped in from just off the green. True to form he succeeded, his ball ignoring pace and gravity to drop into the hole. All eyes turned to {Faldo|Nick