Which side retained the Ryder Cup after the 1969 tie at Royal Birkdale?

The United States retained the Ryder Cup after the 1969 tie at Royal Birkdale.

The matches, held in Southport from 18 to 20 September 1969, ended level at 16 points apiece between the United States and Great Britain. Because the United States entered as defending champion, the existing rules allowed it to keep the trophy rather than forcing a playoff or awarding it to the home team.

The decisive moment came in the final singles session. Jack Nicklaus conceded Tony Jacklin’s short putt on the 18th hole, allowing their match to finish all square and producing the first tied Ryder Cup. Nicklaus’s gesture became known as “The Concession” and is remembered as one of golf’s most famous acts of sportsmanship.

The result can cause confusion because Great Britain hosted the matches and had staged a strong challenge. However, a tie did not transfer the Cup: the defending United States team retained it. Great Britain and Ireland later became the combined European side, but that format was not yet in place in 1969.