Golf: The History of the Ryder Cup
Heading into the 2010 Ryder Cup this weekend, now would be a good time to take a look at this prestigious golf event’s history.
The inaugural Ryder Cup was held in 1927 at Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts. The original idea was discussed in 1920 but the idea did not come to fruition until 1927. The first Ryder cup was won by the United States over Great Britain 9 1/2 -2 1/2. The original team was captained by Walter Hagen and included Gene Sarazan.
There was an informal version of the Ryder Cup held in 1921 in Gleneagles Golf Course in Scotland. The matches at that time were won by Great Britain over the United States 9-3.
The event is named in honor of Samuel Ryder. Ryder was approached to provide the trophy for the event and was involved in the organization and rules regarding the establishment of the event. Ryder designed the Ryder Cup with a golfer on top that resembled his fried and golf teacher, Abe Mitchell.
Over the last 82 years there have been 36 Ryder Cups played, alternating between the United States and Europe. Under the original rules of the Ryder Cup it was only United States citizens versus Great Britain. In 1971 the Great Britain roster was expanded to include golfers from Ireland and in 1979 the rosters were once again expanded to include the entire continent of Europe. This was done to include Spaniards, Seve Ballesteros and Antonio Garrido. The two were among the world’s elite professional golfers.
Over the years the Ryder Cup has provided some of the most dramatic moments in the history of golf. In 1999 Justin Leonard sank an inconceivable 45 foot putt to assure the Americans a tie. An extensive celebration by the Americans after Leonard made his putt followed. José María Olazábal could have forced the action by making his 22 foot putt. José María Olazábal missed the shot and the Americans once again celebrated.
