The origins of the Ryder Cup

Guest post by Fergus Bisset, leading golf journalist. This article was produced in conjunction with Golf Care, a Uk provider of specialist Golf Insurance.

In 1921 a group of American pros travelled to the UK for the 2,000 Guineas Matchplay. Whilst in the country they took on their British peers at the newly opened Gleneagles. The British triumphed. In 1926 there was a similar contest at Wentworth. Again the British won.

In the crowd at Wentworth was a 68-year-old seed merchant called Samuel Ryder. He took it upon himself to make the competition a permanent fixture and commissioned Mappin & Webb of Mayfair to build a trophy. 19 inches high and solid gold, it was to become known as The Ryder Cup.

Ryder Cups before World War II

After thumping a travel weary British team in the inaugural Ryder Cup of 1927, the US travelled to Moortown GC in Leeds as hot favourites for the 1929 match. On seeing his singles opponent was opposite number George Duncan, US Captain Walter Hagen reacted in a typically haughty fashion. “That’s a point to our side boys,” he said. Hagen was thrashed 10&8 over 36 holes and the British were spurred to a 7-5 victory.

America won in 1931 and 1935 with some ease, although the British team sneaked home by a single point in 1933 at Southport & Ainsdale. When the contest returned to the Lancashire links in 1937 Golf Monthly described the US team as, “The greatest golfing force ever to come to this country.” With players like Sarazen, Snead and Nelson, the result was never in doubt and the trophy remained in American hands.

In 1937 the Western world was in turmoil and Europe was on an irreversible path to war. The 1939 Ryder Cup was scheduled for November but war was declared in September and the match was cancelled. It wouldn’t be played again until 1947.

US Dominance

The Americans dominated the first five matches after the war. They were so confident prior to the 1957 match at Lindrick in Yorkshire that the United States Golf Association (USGA) renewed the insurance on the trophy before the team set off. They lost to an inspired GB&I sided captained by Welshman, Dai Rees.

But it was a mere blip and, for the next 28 years, the Cup would remain with the Americans. The only bright spot for GB&I during that time came in 1969 when Jack Nicklaus’ famous concession to Tony Jacklin on the 18th green at Royal Birkdale resulted in a half (although the US retained the trophy.)

The European Union

Nicklaus was instrumental in reviving the flagging tournament after another US win in 1977. He suggested GB&I become Europe and, when Nicklaus speaks, people in golf listen. For the 1979 contest, a united European side travelled to the Greenbrier in West Virginia. They lost.

In fact, Europe lost on their first three tries. But at The Belfry in 1985 the tide turned. When Sam Torrance holed out across the 18th green to beat Andy North, he lofted his arms to celebrate his and Europe’s triumph. For the first time since 1957, the Ryder Cup had been wrested from American clutches. 

Europe won again in 1987 – the first time the US had been defeated on home soil – then retained the Cup in 1989. The matches were becoming close and competitive. Players were tense and the crowds vociferous.

This was epitomised by two unsavoury encounters in The States. The first came at Kiawah Island in 1991 when the Americans fought and won their, self-titled, “War on the Shore.” The second came at Brookline in 1999 when the European players, coming off the back of wins in 1995 and 1997, were subjected to jeers and taunting en-route to a 14.5-13.5 defeat.

The new Millennium

Europe has won five of the six Ryder Cups held since 2000, the only loss coming at Valhalla in 2008. In 2004 and 2006, the Americans suffered record defeats, losing on both occasions by 18.5 to 9.5.

In 2010, Colin Montgomerie captained Europe to a narrow victory at Celtic Manor in Wales. It came down to the very last singles match in which Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell was solid as a rock to see off a visibly nervy Hunter Mahan.

2012 witnessed one of the most stunning matches in the history of the Ryder Cup. The “Miracle at Medinah” saw Europe come back from 10-6 down heading into the final day singles. Europe won the first five matches and, when Martin Kaymer holed a clutch par putt on the 18th green to beat Steve Stricker, the trophy was returning to Europe.

The USA still leads the overall series by 25 wins to 12 but, since Europe became involved, it’s the European side that has the advantage by 9 wins to 7. Will that gap be extended or can the USA draw closer at Gleneagles? It’s too close to call.

Fergus Bisset is the leading Content Writer for Golf Care, the UK’s largest provider of specialist golf insurance. Originally from Aberdeenshire, Fergus has worked with Golf Monthly for ten years and has also co-written two golfing books.