Published On: Mon, Sep 22nd, 2025

What was the 'Miracle at Medinah'?

Europe's dramatic 2012 Ryder Cup win in Medinah, Illinois, is often referred to as the 'Miracle at Medinah'.

It was Europe's first win in the United States since 2004 – and Europe have not won an away Ryder Cup since winning in Medinah.

Heading into the final day, the United States led 10-6 and needed just 4½ points from the 12 singles matches to win the Ryder Cup.

Instead, Europe recorded eight wins and a tie from the final matches of the weekend, winning 14½-13½ – now regarded among the greatest comebacks in sporting history.

Luke Donald, Ian Poulter, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Paul Lawrie, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer all posted final-day victories, with Francesco Molinari halving with Tiger Woods in the final match.

Given the scale of the comeback, the 'Miracle at Medinah' is frequently referenced in the world of golf, particularly in Ryder Cup build-up and during the weekend's play.

It will probably be mentioned several times in the 2025 contest, with Donald captaining Europe for a second consecutive Ryder Cup, and fellow triumphant Medinah players McIlroy and Rose also part of Europe's team this year.

What are the Ryder Cup's other greatest comebacks?

Team Europe celebrate winning the 2012 Ryder Cup
Europe's last Ryder Cup victory away from home was in 2012 at Medinah [Getty Images]

In 1999, the United States overturned a four-point deficit to beat Europe 14½-13½ at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Like Medinah, the score was 10-6 going into the final day – but this time in favour of visitors Europe.

The United States, like team Europe in 2012, then won eight matches and tied another, with victories for Tom Lehman, Hal Sutton, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, Woods, David Duval, Steve Pate and Jim Furyk, as well as half a point for Justin Leonard's drawn contest against Jose Maria Olazabal, earning a Ryder Cup triumph for the hosts.

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