NO EVENT IN GOLF HISTORY…and few events in history of sports—have approached the incredible theatre of The War By The Shore. Relive the strange but true story of the 1991 Ryder Cup–When golf lost its manners and, to some extent, its mind.

For decades a US win in the Ryder Cup was as routine as a burger and fries. But Team Europe took the gold Cup in ’85. And again in ’87. And kept it with a tie in ’89… With its competitive fire stoked by losing, and by accusations of choking, and by the super-patriotic backdrop of the recently won Gulf War, the US side fought desperately for a win at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island.

The most gut-wrenching golf event ever, Curt Sampson captures the moment in a hypnotic re-telling of that long weekend in South Carolina. The War by the Shore digs into the reasons for and reactions to the once-in-a-lifetime pressure. What made the greatest players in the world melt like butter in a hot pan? Why did Lanny Wadkins, the tough-as nails competitor nicknamed “The Bulldog,” cry after winning his singles match? Was this the moment international team golf became a flag-waving hockey match?

In the end, players and spectators (including Vice President Dan Quayle) were left limp from the drama and damp from sprayed Champagne. No other golf tournament—and few events in the history of sport—has approached the incredible theatre of The War by the Shore.