The Underdogs Who Defined Ryder Cup History

The 2025 Ryder Cup is here, and Europe and the U.S. are ready to go head-to-head again. Fans on both sides are expecting plenty of drama and moments that will be remembered for years. While the stars will take center stage, history shows that it’s often the underdogs who step up and define the contest with one brave shot or a clutch putt. Below are five of the best underdog stories in Ryder Cup history.

Justin Rose’s Breakout at Medinah (2012)

Europe faced a daunting task in the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club in Illinois, as the U.S. led 10–6 after day two. Europe needed a remarkable comeback in the singles on Sunday to stand any chance of winning. Justin Rose wasn’t the biggest name on Europe’s Ryder Cup team, but the then-32-year-old took the match to Phil Mickelson. Despite being one down on the 17th hole, Rose holed a long, tricky putt roughly 25 feet to pull level, then played the 18th superbly to win. Europe then went on to complete one of the greatest comebacks in Ryder Cup history.

Philip Walton’s Putt in 1995

Europe was trailing the U.S. by two points going into the Sunday singles in 1995 at Oak Hill Country Club in New York. Philip Walton, a rookie from Ireland, had the chance to win the Ryder Cup for Europe with his match against Jay Haas. Walton won that match 1 up, holing an important putt on the 18th that sealed the point and the Cup for Europe. This was Europe’s second-ever win on U.S. soil and the first time Europe had come from behind entering the final day’s singles to win, and Walton’s nerve under pressure made him an unlikely hero.

Ian Poulter’s Passion in 2012

Ian Poulter has never won a major championship, but the 36-year-old delivered in grand style at the Ryder Cup in 2012. Europe was trailing when Poulter rattled off five birdies in a row in one of the fourball matches alongside Rory McIlroy, helping swing momentum back toward Europe. Poulter then held his nerve to beat Phil Mickelson in Sunday’s singles. Although Poulter wasn’t one of the biggest names in golf, he became known as “Mr. Ryder Cup” for his performances at the 2012 Ryder Cup.

Christy O’Connor Jr.’s 2-Iron in 1989

One of the Ryder Cup’s most iconic underdog shots came at The Belfry in 1989. Europe needed at least a tie to retain the Cup. The European team looked fragile late in the contest. Christy O’Connor Jr., selected as a wild card, was in the final match of the singles against Fred Couples. O’Connor faced a long approach shot over water with a 2-iron on the 18th hole, and Couples, much longer off the tee, had an easier situation with a shorter club. O’Connor hit his 2-iron superbly, and it bounced and settled about four feet from the hole. Couples couldn’t match, and that point secured a 14–14 tie, which under Ryder Cup rules meant Europe retained the Cup.