Golf: False dawns: Five who failed to make a major impact after Ryder Cup glory

1989: Ronan Rafferty

Defeated Mark Calcavecchia at the 18th to give Europe a crucial point in the famous 14-14 tie at The Belfry. Then aged 25, he won three times during the season, culminating in the Volvo Masters, in which he beat Nick Faldo with a par at the last to claim the Order of Merit title. Has won four times on tour since, carving out a respectable career and a superb wine cellar but without recapturing the heights of '89.

1991: Paul Broadhurst

QUALIFIED, in his third year on tour, by finishing first and second in two of the three last qualifying events. Won his two matches at Kiawah Island, beating Mark O'Meara 3 and 1 in the singles. Has now won four times on tour and is a consistent performer - apart from a slump in 1994. Working with Montgomerie's former coach Bill Ferguson, and only narrowly missed a place at Valderrama by finishing 13th in qualifying.

1991: Steven Richardson

Made the team in his second year on tour, aged 25. Teamed with Mark James to beat Pavin and Calcavecchia 5 and 4. Won twice on tour and finished second to Seve Ballesteros on the money list. Has won once since, in 1993, but suffered crisis of confidence in his unorthodox technique when missing his first 15 cuts this season before finding salvation in the coach Scott Cranfield, who also works with Per-Ulrik Johansson.

1993: Peter Baker

Won three of his four matches at The Belfry, partnering Ian Woosnam to 6 and 5 win over Paul Azinger and Fred Couples, and beating Corey Pavin in the singles. Won twice in 1993, but has not done so since or matched his seventh place on money list. Never really threatened to make the team this time, but recovered form in August. Seems to have been around for years but celebrates only his 30th birthday on Tuesday.

1995: Philip Walton

The pride of Ireland when he returned home from Oak Hill to Dublin with the Ryder Cup in his hands. Won twice on the tour in 1995 to make the team and sealed the victory with nerves of steel by defeating Jay Haas at the 18th hole. But it was all too much for the Dubliner and he slipped to 92nd on the Order of Merit last year. This season has been better, two top-10 finishes taking him up to 68th on the money list.