As the Ryder Cup nears 100 years of history, the 44th battle for golf’s most famous team trophy is set to take place in Italy for the first time.
Team Europe and Team USA are preparing for a showdown at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club – located around 10 miles north-east of the Italian capital, Rome – in a bid to add to their own historical records.
The previous 43 events have taken place all over Europe and America involving 363 unique players in 1012 fiercely-contested matches.
Team USA has the upper hand overall, but since continental Europeans were allowed to compete in 1979, the men in blue have dominated the scoreboard.
After beginning in 1927 as a fixture between Team USA and Great Britain, the opening five events were won by the home team until the Walter Hagen-led Americans secured the first away win in 1937.
Once the competition resumed after the Second World War, Team USA – captained by Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, and Arnold Palmer along the way – claimed 10 out of 11 victories prior to the first ever tie in 1969.
The inclusion of Ireland failed to aid GB in their quest to wrestle the little gold trophy back from the Americans as the men in red won another seven in succession, and in 1979 the choice for selection was opened up even further.
The 1927 victorious American team. Left to right; Al Waltrous, Bill Melhorn, Diegel Leo, F. Golden, Walter Hagen, Joe Pennoza, Gene Sarazen, Johnny Farrell, and Joe Turnesa
(Image credit: Getty Images)
When The Belfry made its debut as a Ryder Cup host venue in 1985, Europe secured its first win in 28 years. Two years later, the men in blue bagged a first ever away win on US soil as momentum began to follow the Europeans from there.
After only the second ever draw between the pair in 1989, Europe nudged in front 9-6 over the course of the subsequent 15 meetings.
But who has won the most Ryder Cups overall? Let’s take a look.
Ian Woosnam and Nick Faldo shake hands with Curtis Strange and Tom Kite after halving their opening foursomes match at the 1989 Ryder Cup
(Image credit: Getty Images)
HOW MANY TIMES HAS TEAM EUROPE WON THE RYDER CUP?
14 – Given the nine recent wins, success for either Great Britain or Europe in the…
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