Frozen in time - Brookline 99.
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The 1997 matches came to mainland Europe for the first time and, mainly in recognition of Seve Ballesteros's enormous contribution to the Ryder Cup, it went to Valderrama in his native Spain.
With American sensation Tiger Woods in the side for the first time, it was felt that Europe would do well to keep up but Ballesteros, was not about to let that happen. Cajoled and inspired by the Spaniard flying around in his golf cart. his pairings produced incredible results over the first two days and took a five-point lead into the singles
Despite some gritty play by Fred Couples and Mark O'Meara, captain Tom Kite, could not stop Seve's troops marching to a victory that was secured when Bernahrd Langer, the victim of Kiawah Island, rolled home the winning putt.
The 1999 match at The Country Club at Brookline near Boston, is remembered both for the quality of the play and the unsavoury behaviour of the American team and some of its spectators. Colin Montgomerie, in particular was hounded by the Boston fans but produced some incredible putting.
During his singles match against Payne Stewart, the American had to step in to calm the crowds. Mark James' Europe held a four-poiint lead going into the last day but some Ben Crenshaw and the then Senator George W Bush fired up their team to overwhelmed their foes in the singles and win back the trophy.
Victories in the opening six singles had Europe on the run and when Justin Leonard triggered scenes of mass hysteria when he holed his monster putt against Olazabal on the penultimate green, it was all over - the moment frozen in time.
On the eve of the planned 2001 match, the events of September 11 and the terrorist attacks on US landmarks conspired to force the postponement for 12 months. From henceforth Ryder Cup matches will be played on even numbered years.
*Picture reproduced courtesy of
Photocave Photo Gallery.
