Question: How Many Times Has the Ryder Cup Ended in a Tie?
Answer: There have been only two halves, or ties, in Ryder Cup history: 1969 (16 to 16) and 1989 (14 to 14). In 1969, the Americans retained the cup, having won the previous playing in 1967. In 1989, the Europeans retained the cup, having won the previous playing in 1987.
The 1969 tie is famous as the site of "the concession." On the final green of the final match - a singles showdown between Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin - Nicklaus made a par putt of about 6-8 feet, then conceded Jacklin's 3-footer for par, thus ensuring the tie (had Jacklin been forced to putt, and missed, the U.S. would have won the match). The concession has come to be viewed as a great show of sportsmanship, but Nicklaus' captain, Sam Snead, and some of his teammates were not at all happy about it at the time.
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