The Ryder Cup is golf in its boldest, brashest form. Flag-waving, partisan crowds line the course as the finest players from Europe and the United States go head-to-head in a biennial battle royal. This year's contest takes place at Gleneagles in Scotland, with the U.S. out for revenge after back-to-back defeats.
Golf gets loud —
The Ryder Cup is golf in its boldest, brashest form. Flag-waving, partisan crowds line the course as the finest players from Europe and the United States go head-to-head in a biennial battle royal. This year's contest takes place at Gleneagles in Scotland, with the U.S. out for revenge after back-to-back defeats.
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This is what the two teams are hoping to take home. The trophy itself was donated by English businessman Samuel Ryder, who helped create the competition in the 1920s.
Uncle Sam —
This is what the two teams are hoping to take home. The trophy itself was donated by English businessman Samuel Ryder, who helped create the competition in the 1920s.
David Cannon/Getty Images/file
It was Germany's <a target="_blank">Martin Kaymer who holed the putt which ensured Europe retained the Ryder Cup</a> during the last contest, in 2012 at the Medinah Country Club in Chicago.
Mighty Martin —
It was Germany's Martin Kaymer who holed the putt which ensured Europe retained the Ryder Cup during the last contest, in 2012 at the Medinah Country Club in Chicago.
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Europe overcame a huge 10-6 deficit heading into the final day, a comeback so unlikely that it has since been dubbed the "Miracle of Medinah." A key player for Europe is Ian Poulter, who seems to save his best form for this intercontinental scrap. The Englishman has earned the nickname "Europe's postman," because he always delivers.
'Europe's postman' —
Europe overcame a huge 10-6 deficit heading into the final day, a comeback so unlikely that it has since been dubbed the "Miracle of Medinah." A key player for Europe is Ian Poulter, who seems to save his best form for this intercontinental scrap. The Englishman has earned the nickname "Europe's postman," because he always delivers.
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images/file
The U.S. has also enjoyed its fair share of Ryder Cup success. This picture shows Payne Stewart and Hale Irwin being mobbed by fans and covered in champagne after winning the 1991 match -- <a target="_blank" target="_blank">a tense clash known as "the War on the Shore."</a>
Cham-Payne moments —
The U.S. has also enjoyed its fair share of Ryder Cup success. This picture shows Payne Stewart and Hale Irwin being mobbed by fans and covered in champagne after winning the 1991 match -- a tense clash known as "the War on the Shore."
Simon Bruty /Allsport/file
Team USA last triumphed in 2008, when Paul Azinger's men triumphed 16? - 11? at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky.
Valhalla victory —
Team USA last triumphed in 2008, when Paul Azinger's men triumphed 16? - 11? at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky.
TIM SLOAN/AFP/Getty Images/file