Europe were strong favourites to win the biennial Ryder Cup match against the United States at Celtic Manor in South Wales in October. In the end they succeeded, but the result was much closer than had been predicted.
The three-day match was weather affected, but that only seemed to add to the drama as the European team, captained by Colin Montgomerie beat the Americans, captained by Corey Pavin, by 14½-13½.
The result came down to the last match of the 12 singles on the final day between Europe’s Graeme McDowell and Hunter Mahan from the United States, with US Open champion McDowell winning on the 17th green. But it was the match’s third session of fourballs and foursomes which Europe won 5½-½ which set up the victory.
