In the history of golf, the Ryder Cup has played an important role for more than seventy years. Every year, golf enthusiasts flock to the Ryder Cup, which has been hosted by a variety of countries, courses and climates, and every year they are rewarded with some of the most exciting and memorable matches. To understand the meaning and intensity of the Ryder Cup, one must understand the rich traditions and evolutions that have taken place over the years for both American and European teams.
Samuel Ryder: The Birth of Ryder Cup Matches
There is debate among golf historians as to exactly how the Ryder Cup began. Some claim that the original idea was first developed in 1920 and that the first unofficial matches were played in 1921. What can be corroborated is the match unofficial of the qualifying rounds that were called just before the 1926 Open Golf Championship. The Americans formed a team to play British professionals at Wentworth. When the Americans were defeated, Samuel Ryder, an Englishman and businessman from St. Albans in Herfordshire, was present.
In 1906, Ryder was elected mayor of St. Albans, and his health suffered from overworking. Fresh air and light exercise were recommended to improve his health and it was suggested that he take up golf. Later, after becoming an avid fan of the sport, Ryder hired Abe Mitchell as his instructor. Mitchell was considered one of the best players in Great Britain and Ryder enjoyed watching the British team, which included Mitchell, defeat the Americans in the unofficial match of 1926. When it was suggested that an official match be created, Samuel Ryder agreed to donate a solid gold trophy. He insisted that the figure in the cup resembles Mitchell. The inaugural Ryder Cup was planned for June 3-4, 1927, at the Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts. Ryder lived to see two Ryder Cup matches on his own soil and in 1936 he died. They buried him with his favorite mashie 5 griddle
The beginning of a time-honored golf tradition
The Americans won the opening game of the Ryder Cup. The team was captained by Walter Hagen and included Johnny Farrell, Johnny Golden, Gene Sarazen, Leo Diegel, Joe Turnesa, Bill Mehlhorn and Al Watrous. The Americans dominated the Ryder Cup for 70 years with few exceptions, such as the 1969 match, which ended in a 16-16 draw at Royal Birkdale and is considered one of the most memorable Ryder Cup matches ever played. In 1979 a big change occurred and players from the European continent began to compete for what would now be the European team rather than the British team. The American team won in 1979, 1981 and 1983, but the matches became more competitive as the European team had a chance to bring in new blood. In 1985 the European team won at Belfry and then again at Muirfield Village. It was the first consecutive European victory and the first on American soil.
Unforgettable golf and unforgettable memories
The Ryder Cup’s humble beginnings were inspired by one man’s love of golf and this tradition continues today. The Ryder Cup has spanned more than 77 years and 34 competitions. In 1989, as media coverage increased, the Ryder Cup grew in popularity. The Americans saw Irish player Christy O’Connor win against Fred Couples. In 1991, the Americans regained the Ryder Cup with a victory at Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Then in 1993 the Americans won another close match at The Belfry.
In 1995 the Europeans returned at the Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York and continued this winning streak in 1997 at the Valderamma Golf Club in Sotogrande, Spain. In 1999, the Americans made one of the greatest comebacks in history when, after a seemingly impossible 10-6 deficit, the Americans defeated the European team anyway. Recently, the European team has been victorious in the 2004 match at Oakland Hills and in 2006 at the K-Club in Ireland. The Americans are now under pressure to win back the trophy at the September 2008 Ryder Cup hosted by Valhalla Country Club in Louisville, Kentucky.
