Continental Europe joined the fray for the first time, introducing the likes of Spaniard Seve Ballesteros, at The Greenbrier in W.Va. (Getty Images)
The Americans won all four afternoon foursomes matches on Day 2 to break open a tight contest, and then cruised in singles for victory at Walton Heath in England. (Getty Images)
Led by captain Jack Nicklaus, the U.S. earned a hard-fought victory at PGA National in Florida. (Associated Press)
Sam Torrance clinched the winning point for the Europeans as they won the cup for the first time since 1957. (Getty Images)
Europe got out to a big lead and held on for its first-ever win on American soil at Muirfield Village in Ohio, home to U.S. captain Jack Nicklaus. (Associated Press)
Europe, captained by Tony Jacklin, held off an American rally to halve the match and retain the cup at The Belfry in England. (Associated Press)
The Americans won a contentious match, dubbed the 'War on the Shore,' in the first live televised Ryder Cup at Kiawah Island in S.C. (Associated Press)