The 1969 Ryder Cup at Royal Birkdale finished 16–16. It was the first tied Ryder Cup in the competition's history, with Great Britain and the United States each earning 16 points from the 32 available matches.
The tie was sealed in the closing singles match between Great Britain's Tony Jacklin and America's Jack Nicklaus. After Jacklin's eagle putt on the 17th hole squared their match, Nicklaus conceded Jacklin's short final putt on the 18th. That gesture, later called “The Concession,” ensured the match was halved and left the team score tied.
A tied Ryder Cup did not produce a new winner. Under the rules then in force, the United States retained the trophy because it was the defending champion. The event was held from September 18 to 20, 1969, and remains especially memorable because its dramatic finish helped turn Nicklaus and Jacklin's sporting rivalry into a lasting friendship.