Although the Ryder Cup as we now know it began in 1927, its forerunner existed in an unofficial form several years earlier.

We look back to where it all started and the extended spell of American dominance which lasted for nearly six decades.

Europe 16½ USA 11½

Scot Sam Torrance clinched Europe's first Ryder Cup victory since 1957 amid frenzied scenes on the 18th green at The Belfry.

After rallying from three down to Andy North after 10 holes, the Scotsman's winning birdie and celebration remains one of the contest's iconic moments.

USA 13 Europe 15

Europe won the Ryder Cup on American soil for the first time but it was drama to the end at Muirfield Village.

Seve and Jose Maria Olazabal helped the visitors build a big lead going into the singles but Tony Jacklin's men had to repel a late fightback to secure victory.

Europe 14 USA 14

The Europeans retained the Ryder Cup at The Belfry although a late US really ensured the match ended in a tie for only the second time.

More magic from Seve and Ollie secured a 9-7 lead and, although Jose Maria Canizares holed the putt that retained the trophy, the US won the last three dead rubbers to tie.

USA 14½ Europe 13½

Dubbed the "War on the Shore", the match at Kiawah Island marked a real deterioration in the spirit of the contest.

With tensions running high, it came down to the very last putt but Bernhard Langer missed to end Europe's six-year reign.

Europe 13 USA 15

New skipper Tom Watson restored a sense of calm to the contest in 1993 as the USA took victory at The Belfry.

Once again, the Americans showed their strength in the singles where Europe managed just three wins out of 12.

USA 13½ Europe 14½

With the US taking a two-point lead into the singles - their strongpoint - the writing looked on the wall for the Europeans at Oak Hill.

But Bernhard Gallacher's men dug deep and a crucial win for Nick Faldo over Curtis Strange helped the visitors defy the odds on an emotional final day.

Europe 14½ USA 13½

European skipper Seve Ballesteros refused to entertain the idea of defeat at Valderrama in 1997 as he proudly led his team out on home soil.

And, despite being heavy underdogs against a US team boasting new Masters champ Tiger Woods, Seve's men didn't let him down.

USA 14½ Europe 13½

Pumped up by Ben Crenshaw, the US produced a storming comeback in the Sunday singles.

But Sam Torrance called scenes at Brookline "the most disgusting thing ever seen on a golf course" after the home team's riotous celebrations on the 17th green when Europe had still yet to putt.

Europe 15½ USA 12½

After the tragic events of 9/11 delayed the contest by 12 months, both teams decided to go with their original line-ups at The Belfry.

And led by Sam Torrance - the hero as a player in 1985 - Europe regained the Cup in convincing fashion with Paul McGinley holing the winning putt.

USA 9½ Europe 18½

Bernhard Langer's meticulously organised Europeans pulled off yet another fabulous Ryder Cup victory in record-breaking fashion in Detroit.

Hal Sutton's experiment to pair Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson backfired horribly as the united Europeans all produced at least a point for the cause.

Europe 18½ USA 9½

Darren Clarke, who had lost wife Heather to cancer just six weeks earlier, won all three matches as Europe scored an emotional win.

A rout from first to last, the final score at the at the K Club in Ireland matched the record win of 2004 and made it fives wins in the last six matches for Europe.

USA 16½ Europe 11½

Europe's winning streak came to an end as canny Paul Azinger led a fired-up US side to a comprehensive victory in Kentucky.

Even without the injured Tiger Woods, the hosts had too much for Nick Faldo's visitors and it was left to Jim Furyk to secure the winning point.

Europe 14½ USA 13½

Celtic Manor in Wales witnessed one of the great Ryder Cup finishes as Europe held on for a thrilling win.

Heavy rains caused a format change and sent the match into an unprecedented fourth day with Graeme McDowell emerging as the hero of the hour.