Team of the Year
Europe's Ryder Cup team

Of all sport's memorable moments in 2002, Europe's Ryder Cup victory at The Belfry was arguably the most remarkable - primarily because the win was so unexpected.

Following the postponement of the 2001 match and the decision to stick with the same 12 players, Europe came into the contest noticeably weaker.

The American team had suffered a similar slump in fortunes, but they could still turn to five of the world's top 10 when the going got tough.

And then there was Tiger Woods.

This was surely the match when the world number one would put his dismal Ryder Cup record behind him.

To a point he did, winning three matches after a woeful opening day, but his best on this occasion was not good enough.

Europe had their own trump cards in Sam Torrance and Colin Montgomerie.

He ensured the bad blood of Brookline three years earlier did not spill over to The Belfry.

And he captained his side with care and consideration while coaxing the best out of his lesser-ranked players - most notably on the final day.

With the teams locked at eight points apiece going into Sunday's singles, many predicted an easy American victory.

By the time he walked up the 18th the Ryder Cup had been won and lost.

Montgomerie set the standard, Phillip Price caused the upset, Paul McGinley took the honours and Torrance the plaudits.

But overall it was an astounding team effort against the odds in a match played in the perfect spirit on and off the course.