Heartbreak Hill: Anatomy of a Ryder Cup

Golf's Ryder Cup, first contested in 1927, was donated for matches between teams of Americans and Britons. The British won in 1927, '29 and '33 and then were shut out until '57; there followed years of drought for the U.K. until the tourney was expanded so that the U.S. faced a team drawn from all of Europe, with the new alignment beginning in 1979. Ryder Cup play is tremendously important to participants, who feel they are playing for national or even continental honor--there is no prize money. Sports Illustrated writer Rosaforte here covers the 1995 matches at Oak Hill in Rochester, N.Y., won by the Europeans by the slimmest margin, 141/2-131/2. Despite moments of high drama, especially the contest between Curtis Strange and Nick Faldo, it remains to be seen whether even addicted fans will be caught up in the author's enthusiasm. Photos not seen by PW. Author tour. (June)