The importance of the Ryder Cup was put into perspective

With the 2001 Ryder Cup just two weeks away, most of the talk was about Europe plotting their revenge on the United States following the American victory in 1999.

Memories of the wild and, some would say, over-exuberant celebrations at the previous match still lingered in the minds of the Europeans, and Sam Torrance's team were determined to even the scores at The Belfry.

But all talk of the impending competition was cast aside by the terrorist attacks on 11 September.

The world was shaken by the disaster and sport as a whole took a backseat.

The American team, fearing for their own safety and the fact some were still traumatised by the tragic events, voiced their concerns about travelling to England.

As a result the European Ryder Cup Board agreed to a request sent by the PGA of America on Sunday 16 September to postpone the event and reschedule for September 2002.

"The tragedy in America caused us all to reflect and evaluate our own lives and relationships with family and friends," said United States captain Curtis Strange.