Ryder Cup: Medinah beats Brookline - Mark James

Europe's stunning Ryder Cup victory over the United States in Medinah helps bury the memory of their 1999 defeat in Brookline, according to Mark James.

Europe came from 10-4 down to triumph 14½-13½, 13 years on from their acrimonious loss by the same scoreline.

"Brookline was tainted a bit by the crowd abuse, not to mention the running on to the green at the 17th hole," said James, Europe's captain in 1999.

"This time it's hard to see anything other than great golf under pressure."

Europe led 10-6 going into the final round in Brookline, Boston, only for the hosts to win the opening six matches of the day.

In the decisive match, Justin Leonard made a birdie putt on the 17th and his team-mates ran across the green in celebration despite Jose Maria Olazabal still having a putt to halve the hole.

Europe's vice-captain Sam Torrance described it as "disgusting" and a bitter row ensued that - along with the heckling of Europe's players by sections of the crowd - overshadowed the result.

It was the biggest come-from-behind victory in Ryder Cup history until Europe matched the feat in Medinah.

When asked if it was a relief that when people talk about Ryder Cup fightbacks they are likely to mention Medinah above Brookline, James told BBC Sport: "I think, yes.

"The USA lost to a European team which had great momentum, great character and was determined to absolutely dig as deep as [Ian] Poulter had dug the afternoon before."

James felt Europe "handled the pressure better", adding: "Next time it might not be the same but this time it was genius."