"I trust that the effect of this match will be to influence a cordial, friendly and peaceful feeling throughout the whole civilised world… I look upon the Royal and Ancient game as being a powerful force that influences the best things in humanity."
Samuel Ryder
The Ryder Cup has become one of the world’s greatest sporting events. Every two years, 24 of the best players from Europe and the United States go head-to-head in match play competition.
Drama, tension, incredible golf, camaraderie and sportsmanship are served in equal measure, captivating an audience of millions around the world. It’s an event that transcends sport, yet remains true to the spirit of its founder, Samuel Ryder.
The PGA is a partner in Ryder Cup Europe LLP alongside the European Tour and plays a key role in each Ryder Cup played on European soil.
This enduring association is cemented further by The PGA's status as the trustee of the famous Ryder Cup trophy itself, donated by Sam Ryder to mark the biennial contest between Great Britain & Ireland and the United States' finest players.
One of The PGA's most famous members, Abe Mitchell, is the gilded figure depicted on the top of the 17 inch high trophy. Mitchell takes pride of place as a result of his friendship and patronage by Samuel Ryder who from 1925 appointed him as his personal golf instructor.
Further information on the history of the Ryder Cup and the work of the Ryder Cup Trust, of which The PGA is a partner, can be found by visiting rydercup.com and rctrust.info
PGA Professionals have continued to play a significant role in the Ryder Cup, both behind the scenes and within Ryder Cup teams.
For the Celtic Manor event in 2010, the role of the PGA Professional in preparing each team member was recognised by the Captain, Colin Montgomerie and highlighted in a prominent campaign that recognised the importance of the PGA Professional as a coach in helping the players to prepare for an event such as the Ryder Cup.
“Coaching at a Ryder Cup is very different to coaching at a Major,” said PGA Professional Denis Pugh. “It’s a special atmosphere. I’m always proud to represent my association whatever the format."
PGA Professionals have also continued to play an important part in front of the cameras on successful Ryder Cup teams. Ian Poulter and Paul Lawrie, both fully qualified PGA Members, notably performed under pressure to help Europe to victory in the 'Miracle at Medinah' in 2012.
The Ryder Cup is one of the most spirited, exciting and compelling events in sports. It spans nearly 90 years, involves the greatest players in the world and produces some of the greatest moments in the game.
The competition officially began in 1927 when enterprising English seed merchant Samuel Ryder presented a gold cup that bears his name. The U.S. team defeated Great Britain, 9 ½ to 2 ½, in the inaugural matches in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Since then, the Ryder Cup has expanded to involve the finest players of Europe. Except for a span (1939-45) during World War II and following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks upon America, the Ryder Cup has been held biennially with the U.S. and Europe alternating as host.
The 2020 Ryder Cup will be held at the historic Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin—the site of the 2007 U.S. Senior Open and the 2004, 2010 and 2015 PGA Championships.
1927 - USA win first match
The United States, captained by Walter Hagen, win the inaugural Ryder Cup played at Worcester Country Club, Worcester, Massachusetts.
1929 - First GB victory
George Duncan leads Great Britain to their first Ryder Cup victory at Moortown Golf Club, Leeds.
1957 - New points system
A new points system is introduced as Dai Rees leads captains Great Britain to their third Ryder Cup victory.
1963 - First three-day event
America dominate first Ryder Cup match to be played over three days at East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia.
1979 - Team Europe
The first match to allow European players ends in defeat for the visitors to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
1987 - Europe win in USA
Tony Jacklin captains Europe to their first ever Ryder Cup victory in America at Muirfield Village Golf Club, Ohio.
1991 - 'War by the shore'
America win one of the most heated Ryder Cup clashes by just one point at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina.
1997 - Spain is new host
Seve Ballesteros captains Europe to victory as the Ryder Cup is contested in continental Europe for the first time.
2004 - Europe's biggest win
Bernhard Langer Langer leads Europe to a 18½ - 9½ victory at Oakland Hills Golf Club, Michigan. Their biggest Ryder Cup win.
2012 - Miracle at Medinah
Ian Poulter inspired Europe to one of the most spectacular Ryder Cup comebacks at Medinah Country Club, Illinois.
2018 - 'Moliwood mania'
Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood lead Europe's rout as they beat America 17½ - 10½ at Le Golf National, France
The 2020 Ryder Cup will be played at Whistling Straits Golf Club in Wisconsin from September 24-26, 2021. Europe will travel to Wisconsin as holders of The Ryder Cup following their 17½-10½ victory over the United States at Le Golf National last September.
Padraig Harrington will captain Europe at Whistling Straits. The three-time Major Champion has represented Europe six times as a player in the competition, winning four times, and he has been a Vice-Captain in the past three editions of the biennial contest.
“I have played under, and been involved with, many wonderful European captains since I made my debut in the contest 20 years ago and I would like to think that my captaincy will be a mix of all of them. I am very much looking forward to taking on this role.”
In September, Harrington named two-time Ryder Cup player Robert Karlsson as his first Vice-Captain.
Steve Stricker will serve as the United States Ryder Cup Captain for the 43rd Ryder Cup.
Abe Mitchell played in three Open Championships and was based at North Foreland Golf Club, Kent, before emigrating to America in 1925. Entrepreneur Samuel Ryder met Mitchell at an event at Verulam Golf Club, St Albans, and brought Mitchell back to the UK, hiring him as a personal tutor.
Ryder had plans to create an annual match between Britain and America and he persuaded a host of Americans to play in a challenge match at Wentworth, Surrey in 1926 which the home side won comfortably, with Mitchell’s two wins impressing Ryder.
Soon after a challenge match over 72-holes took place at Wentworth between Mitchell and American captain Walter Hagen. Mitchell looked on target to claim the £500 winning prize after ending the opening day four holes up. Hagen however went on to win the contest after gaining a psychological advantage over Mitchell by turning up 30 minutes after the tee off time and his style of play agitated the British player.
Annoyed by the manner of Hagen’s victory, Ryder instructed a model of Mitchell to be placed at the top of the Ryder Cup trophy, which was donated to America for the first official contest between the two teams at Worcester Country Club, Massachusetts in 1927.
