The Ryder Cup has given golf fans some incredible and unforgettable moments in sports history. Europe and the United States fight for pride and honor every two years. Some years are remembered for stunning comebacks, others for total domination. But after Europe’s remarkable victory at Bethpage Black in 2025, a new chapter was added to that legacy. Here’s a look at where the 2025 Ryder Cup win ranks among the greatest of all time, alongside some other unforgettable editions that defined the competition.
Top Greatest Ryder Cup Of All Time
1. 2012: “The Miracle at Medinah”
The 2012 Ryder Cup is widely regarded as the greatest Ryder Cup ever. Europe entered the final day trailing 10–6 after the United States had dominated the first two days. They needed a near-impossible comeback on U.S. soil, and they duly produced one of sport’s greatest turnarounds. Europe won the final two four-ball matches on Saturday to kick-start their resurgence and then won the first five singles matches on Sunday. Ian Poulter made birdies on the last five holes in his four-ball match with Rory McIlroy against Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner, and Martin Kaymer’s putt sealed the deal as Europe stunned America 14½–13½. Over a decade later, this feat is yet to be matched.
2. 2025: Europe’s Triumph at Bethpage Black
Winning away from home has always been the toughest test in the Ryder Cup, especially in front of loud New York crowds. But Europe’s 2025 team, led by Luke Donald, silenced the doubters and the jeers at Bethpage Black with one of the most complete team performances ever seen. Europe won every one of the first four sessions — something no visiting side had ever done. They led 11½–4½ by Saturday night — the biggest lead in modern history before the singles. The U.S. fought back on Sunday, but Europe held firm to win 15–13. It wasn’t a miracle like 2012, but it will be remembered for Europe’s calm in the face of heckling and abuse from the Bethpage crowd — and perhaps Europe’s finest away performance since 1987.
3. 2004: Europe Crushes at Oakland Hills
Few teams in history have been as ruthless as Bernhard Langer’s European side in 2004. Europe faced a strong American squad at Oakland Hills but dismantled their opponents 18½–9½. They took a five-point lead after the first day of competition and cruised through Sunday’s singles matches to signal a new era of European dominance.
4. 1987: Europe’s Breakthrough at Muirfield Village
Europe had never beaten the United States on U.S. soil before 1987. That all changed at Jack Nicklaus’s own course, Muirfield Village. Tony Jacklin’s team — led by legends like Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, and Sandy Lyle — made history by winning 15–13. This marked a turning point as Europe proved they could win anywhere, and the modern Ryder Cup rivalry truly began that year.
5. 1999: The Battle of Brookline
The United States staged an incredible comeback in 1999 after trailing 10–6 going into Sunday. The U.S. won eight of the 12 singles matches at The Country Club in Brookline to win 14½–13½. The sight of Justin Leonard draining a 45-foot putt to secure victory remains iconic, although his wild celebrations caused controversy. The victory remains legendary golfer Tiger Woods’s only Ryder Cup win.
6. 2021: Team USA Dominates at Whistling Straits
The Americans finally produced a dominant display at Whistling Straits in 2021 after years of frustration. Led by Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa, and rookie sensation Scottie Scheffler, the U.S. crushed Europe 19–9 to record the biggest winning margin in modern history. The U.S. won four of the five sessions, and Dustin Johnson became the first American in more than 40 years to go 5–0–0 at the Ryder Cup.
7. 2008: United States Records Statement Victory
Europe had dominated the Ryder Cup in the years leading up to 2008, winning five of the last six editions. But the Americans beat Europe 16½–11½ at Valhalla, with six rookies in the team. Anthony Kim led the way, defeating Sergio Garcia 5 and 4, while Phil Mickelson, Hunter Mahan, Jim Furyk, Justin Leonard, J.B. Holmes, Boo Weekley, and Chad Campbell also put in impressive performances as the Americans claimed a statement victory.
Main Photo Credit: © Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
