Ryder Cup Best Shots Countdown: No. 6 Paul McGinley 2002

Another famous putt on the 18th at The Belfry, number 6 in our countdown is Paul McGinley's effort in 2002.

Ryder Cup Best Shots Countdown: No. 6 Paul McGinley 2002

Another famous putt on the 18th at The Belfry, number 6 in our countdown is Paul McGinley's effort in 2002.

Ryder Cup Best Shots Countdown: No. 6 Paul McGinley 2002

For the past nine days we have looked at some of the best shots seen in the history of the Ryder Cup and with just six days left until Le Golf National, todays focus is on Paul McGinley and his Cup winning putt on the 18th of The Belfry.

In a team containing the likes of Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie and Bernhard Langer, McGinley wasn’t one of Europe’s big names. With Sam Torrance as captain, the Europeans were looking to win the Cup back after the infamous 1999 event held in Brookline, Massachusetts.

After a back and forth opening two days, the scores were tied 8 points apiece heading into the singles.

Europe got on the board quickly securing 4.5 points from the opening six matches. Scott Verplank stemmed the tide with a victory over Lee Westwood and Niclas Fasth secured a crucial half point against Paul Azinger. (Although that half point came due to a holed bunker shot up the last by Azinger to keep the US in the match).

Ryder Cup rookie Paul McGinley vs Jim Furyk was the next match and it was a tight affair twisting and turning its way to the 18th.

Facing a 10-footer on the last, McGinley calmly rolled it in which secured the winning half point and Europe had won the Cup back.

He held is arms aloft and would later take a dip into the pond surrounding the 18th green.

It was the last time it was held at The Belfry and it ushered in an era of European dominance. They would win the next two Ryder Cups by 18.5 points to 9.5 until an American win in 2008 stemmed the tide somewhat.

Expand Ryder Cup Best Shots Countdown: No. 7 Justin Rose 2012

Ryder Cup Best Shots Countdown: No. 7 Justin Rose 2012

Rose's putts on the 17th and 18th in…

Expand Ryder Cup Best Shots Countdown: #8 Paul Azinger

Ryder Cup Best Shots Countdown: #8 Paul Azinger

Paul Azinger's brilliant bunker shot at the Belfry…

Expand Ryder Cup Best Shots Countdown: No. 10 Ian Poulter

Ryder Cup Best Shots Countdown: No. 10 Ian Poulter

We look back at Ian Poulter's stunning putt…

Expand Ryder Cup Best Shots Countdown: No. 9 Eamonn Darcy

Ryder Cup Best Shots Countdown: No. 9 Eamonn Darcy

Eamonn Darcy's nerveless putt to beat Ben Crenshaw…

For the latest Ryder Cup news, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels

TOPICS
Sam Tremlett
E-commerce Editor

Sam is Golf Monthly's E-commerce Editor which mean's he oversees everything E-com related on the site.

This takes the form of creating and updating Buying Guides, reviews, and finding bargain prices for deals content. 

Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes. 

He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for, at a good price.

Additionally Sam oversees Golf Monthly voucher/coupon content which seeks to find you the best offers and promotions from well-known brands like Callaway, TaylorMade and many more.

Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a single-figure handicap.