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2012 Ryder Cup: Europeans win one for the ages

The 2012 Ryder Cup was an instant classic, with the Europeans coming back in historic fashion on Sunday to defeat the Americans at Medinah Country Club.

Ross Kinnaird - Getty Images

The 2012 Ryder Cup was an event that won't be soon forgotten.

The Europeans stormed back on Sunday to win their second consecutive Ryder Cup with a 14.5 to 13.5 margin after trailing by four points after the second round at the Medinah Country Club. The comeback matches the largest in the tournament's illustrious history.

The Americans had dominated the first two days in front of the home crowd. It appeared that the Red, White and Blue would steamroll its way to reclaiming the Cup, but then it all fell apart. The Americans lost the first five matches on Sunday to fall behind 11-10 and never recovered.

With the memory of Seve Ballesteros emblazoned on their sleeves, the Europeans clawed their way to perhaps the most incredible comeback in Ryder Cup history. The tournament was sealed on a short putt by Martin Kaymer, ending what was a see-it-to-believe-it afternoon.

At the moment of victory, Europe's captain Jose Maria Olazabal was overwhelmed.

"This one is for all of Europe," Olazabal said. "Seve will always be present with this team. He was a big factor for this event for the European side, and last night when we were having that meeting, I think the boys understood that believing was the most important thing. And I think they did."

Europe has won the last two Ryder Cups and will have a chance to make it three straight in 2014 at Gleneagles, Scotland.

Photographs by cstreet.us, thelastminute, turtlemom nancy , fesek, kthypryn, justinwright, sue_elias, pointnshoot, and scrapstothefuture used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.