Ranking the last 15 Ryder Cups

Europe didn't just beat the Americans on their home turf at Oakland Hills, but it flat out dominated. Team Europe's 18 1/2-9 1/2 margin of victory was the largest for a non-American squad, as it claimed the event for the fourth time in five tries. Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood (combined nine points) practically beat the U.S. by themselves.

With Scotland's Gleneagles as host, Europe won its third straight Ryder Cup with a five-point advantage over the Americans. Consecutive solid afternoon efforts by the Europeans during the first two days proved to be the difference. Justin Rose earned four points for the victors, while Zach Johnson, Webb Simpson and Bubba Watson managed a combined one point for the U.S.

While Europe won 14 1/2-13 1/2 for the first of its most recent three-event winning streak, the story was the weather in Wales. Rain forced play to be suspended twice, and for the first time in history, the Ryder Cup finished on a Monday. Ian Poulter and Luke Donald starred for Europe, and Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker paced the U.S.

Europe's current run of five consecutive victories at home began at Spain's Valderrama Golf Club. The hosts held a five-point advantage entering singles play, but the U.S. made a charge thanks to seven wins on the final day of competition. However, the Americans fell short by a point, and Europe's reign on its home soil began.

The U.S. led throughout and finished with a 16 1/2-11 1/2 margin of victory to snap Europe's string of three consecutive wins. The Americans held a two-point lead going into the final day and turned things up during singles play thanks to strong performances from Anthony Kim and Boo Weekley. 

At the time, this was just the second occasion that Europe won the Ryder Cup on American soil. Bernard Gallacher's squad trailed by two points at Oak Hill going into the Sunday singles, but the U.S, won just four of those matches. Philip Walton from Ireland claimed only one match, but that singles victory over Jay Haas clinched the title.

For just the second time in the history of the event, the Ryder Cup ended in a tie. (The other came in 1969.) The event finished deadlocked at 14-all after the U.S. made up a two-point deficit heading into singles play. However, with the tie, Europe retained the Ryder Cup after its victory two years earlier. Seve Ballesteros and Paul Azinger's contentious singles match was priceless.

Played one year later than originally scheduled due to the events of Sept.11, 2001, Europe took back the cup with a three-point victory. Irishman Paul McGinley became a European golf hero after sinking a 10-foot putt on the 18th hole against current U.S. captain, Jim Furyk, for the decisive half-point.

Paced by an impressive and emotional performance from Darren Clarke, Europe posted its second consecutive 18 1/2-9 1/2 victory over the U.S. for a third straight triumph. Clarke, playing just weeks after the death of his wife, was one of three Europeans to go 3-0-0 at the K Club in Ireland. The result was lopsided, but Clarke's drive was unforgettable. 

The last time the United States won the Ryder Cup on European soil came at The Belfry in England. The U.S. trailed by a point heading into the final day before Tom Kite and Co. took care of business during the singles competition. Davis Love helped give the Americans what's become an elusive feat for the nation with his final hole victory over Costantino Rocca.

Ending Europe's latest three-event reign, the U.S. rolled to a 17-11 triumph for its first Ryder Cup victory since 2008. Dedicating the victory to the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, who died shortly before the event, the Americans shined at Hazeltine, Young talents in Patrick Reed and Brooks Koepka proved their worth by combining for 6 1/2 points.

For the first time ever, the U.S. lost the Ryder Cup at home. The defeat stung worse for captain Jack Nicklaus, whose team lost at his own Muirfield Village course. Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam and Bernhard Langer combined for 14 1/2 points to lead a talented European group to perhaps the most historic victory in the event's history.

Talk about high drama. Dubbed the "War by the Shore," the '91 installment at Kiawah Island in South Carolina was certainly great theater. The U.S. recorded its first Ryder Cup victory since 1983. Seve and 'Zinger were at it again, and Bernhard Langer missed a six-foot putt on the final hole that would have given Europe a tie and the Cup as reigning champions. 

The "Battle of Brookline" could be the Americans' most defining moment at the Ryder Cup. Trailing 10-6 heading into the final day, the U.S. came alive to dominate the singles competition. Ben Crenshaw's group won the first six matches on Sunday, and Justin Leonard helped secure the victory with a 45-foot putt on the 17th that sparked a wild and somewhat controversial celebration. 

The folks across the pond refer to this as the "Miracle at Medinah." Miraculous is certainly the right word to describe Europe's Sunday comeback . The U.S. held a four-point advantage going into the Sunday singles in suburban Chicago, but Europe caught fire. It needed eight points in singles to retain the Cup and recorded 8 1/2. Rory McIlroy almost missed his tee time Sunday but was part of a European group that won the first five matches to ignite the comeback.