1985 - The Belfry: Europe 16 1/2, US 13 1/2

Europe's first victory since 1957 (then GB & Ire) was achieved without Nick Faldo scoring a point. Europe led 9-7 going into the singles and victories from Manuel Pinero, Paul Way, Sandy Lyle and Bernhard Langer left Sam Torrance with the honour of wrapping up victory. The Scot was level with twice US Open champion Andy North on the last, but North found the lake from the tee and Torrance hit to 20ft. Needing only to two putt he rolled in the birdie and simply raised his arms aloft in a now famous salute.

1987 - Muirfield: Europe 15 US 13

The first victory on American soil was made even more special as it was achieved on the course designed by American captain Jack Nicklaus. Leading 10 1/2 5 1/2 before the singles - the same score as at Valderrama - an inspirational Ballesteros sealed victory. Ireland's Eamonn Darcy made sure Europe couldn't lose with a one-hole victory over Ben Crenshaw, who putted with a sand wedge and one iron after snapping his putter in frustration earlier in the round. Then Ballesteros defeated Curtis Strange 2 and 1.

1989 - The Belfry: Europe 14, US 14

As holders a draw was good enough to retain the trophy, despite taking no points from the last four singles matches (before which Europe led 9-7). Jose Maria Canizares scored the winning point in another thrilling finish on the 18th. The Spaniard two-putted from the back of the three tier green while opponent Ken Green took three from a much easier position. The abiding memory will be Christy O'Connor's game with Fred Couples in the match before. The Irishman hit a two iron to within two foot of the pin on the last to completely unnerve Couples who put his nine iron into the greenside bunker from the middle of the fairway and eventually conceded the match.

1995 - Oak Hill: Europe 14 1/2, US 13 1/2

Perhaps the best performance of all from a team that had been written off by many and trailed 9-7 before the singles. An off-form Ballesteros did well only to lose 4 and 3 to Tom Lehman. Two victories were especially sweet: David Gilford beat Brad Faxon on the 18th green; Nick Faldo came from one down with two to play against Curtis Strange and his wedge third shot to the last to 5ft for the winning par was later voted shot of the year. It fell to Philip Walton to hole the winning putt. The Irishman was dormie three up on Jay Haas before the American holed out from a bunker on 16 and won the 17th with a par. But he could only double bogey the last and Walton had two putts from 12 feet for the match.