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Securing an away Ryder Cup ranks among a truly monumental achievements in golf, as noted Rory McIlroy. Neither squad has a notable performance abroad. From the time Europe joined the tournament in 1979, the American team has only won twice overseas, with their previous road triumph coming back in 1993. Europe’s lone win on US grounds in the last two decades took place at Medinah, a win that needed nothing short of an incredible comeback.

The Buildup: A Team Battling Obstacles

Of Europe’s 4 road triumphs – secured in 1987, 1995, 2004 and 2012 – their shock win at Oak Hill three decades past is a highlight for fans. Things were far from positive for Bernard Gallacher’s squad as they headed to Oak Hill in 1995: the captain was hurt after two defeats; there were complaints about his squad choices; one star player was unavailable due to a foot problem; and other players were out of form.

Narrow losses in 1991 and 1993 had demoralized Gallacher, who quit from the role of captain and was urged to reconsider because of a letter from veteran Bernhard Langer, a discussion with the great Seve Ballesteros and a heartfelt appeal from Nick Faldo. I was convinced for good cause,” he commented. “In the end, I feel that we have what it takes.”

Leadership Choices: Tough Choices

Gallacher first had to select his squad and, with just two discretionary choices, he faced the challenging job of leaving out several among Faldo, Olazábal, Woosnam and Parnevik. “It’s a dilemma,” Woosnam complained. “There will be no support from me. He wanted this approach and we could end up without key golfers.”

Gallacher emphasized that the players were responsible. “All participants was aware since 1993 precisely what it takes to get into the team,” he stated before choosing Olazábal and Faldo. However Ian Woosnam qualified in the end, taking the spot of José María Olazábal after he was forced out with a foot injury. Without the Olazábal was a significant blow, but Woosnam had earned 4½ points at the previous Ryder Cup and had been a finalist at Oak Hill in the 1989 US Open.

The American squad was talented but had a potential flaw. A team including five first-timers – Mickelson, Lehman, Faxon, Roberts and Maggert – was worrisome, prompting captain Wadkins to pick the seasoned twosome of Fred Couples and Curtis Strange. There would be no place for Open winner John Daly as the course was not deemed fitting for his style of play. The captain’s choice to choose Strange over the TPC winner Janzen was a surprise at the time and proved regrettable come the Sunday night of the event.

Friday Action: Team USA Take a 5-3 Lead

Reports that Ballesteros would be rested for the early session was notable, but there was no chance Gallacher could field the Ballesteros in the alternate shot format due to his struggles. The duty of striking the pressure-filled opening drive would be taken by Colin Montgomerie’s hands, but his usually solid duo with Faldo failed to fire. Trailing by four after five holes, the team tried to drag themselves back into their match against Lehman and Pavin, but errors from Nick Faldo on the last green gave the point to the Americans.

James and Clark played poorly in a one-sided match to Jeff Maggert and Davis Love III, but the new duo of Sam Torrance and Constantino Rocca put Team Europe’s first point on the board. Attention shifted to the final foursomes match. Johansson and Langer were coasting at plus three with six to play. But Crenshaw and Strange rallied, leaving Langer with a makeable birdie attempt on the last to win the match. Fortunately for Europe, there would be no echo of Kiawah in 1991; Langer’s key stroke brought Europe tied: 2-2 after the first session.

Saturday’s Battle: Team Europe Mount a Comeback

Trailing 5-3 overnight, Europe had to deliver a big response in the morning foursomes and they duly performed. The Faldo-Montgomerie duo earned their maiden point; Langer and Gilford paired up to overcome Pavin and Lehman; and Torrance and Rocca routed Maggert and Love 6 and 5. “He provided stability of the team,” Torrance said of his playing companion, whose hole in one at the sixth was part of a dream morning for Europe. The only defeat came when Woosnam and Philip Walton lost to Jacobsen and Roberts. But, with the cumulative result at 6-6, European fans were overjoyed.

Yet, the better ball matches did not go so well, with Europe slipping down by one before the decisive final game. As they came to the final green, Faldo and Langer were all square with Pavin and Roberts. Loren Roberts made a standard score, ensuring the US would at least split the point. They could take the full point if Pavin holed out from just off the green. As fate would have it he succeeded, his ball ignoring physics and logic to reach the cup. The pressure shifted to {Faldo|Nick