The History of the Ryder Cup: A Tradition of Golf and True Sportsmanship

The Ryder Cup has become the best event in golf. It is now a unique team-based golf competition that pits the best of America against Europe (EU). Held every couple of years, the event's history can be traced back to 1926.

Admittedly, an unofficial match between American and British golfers was held in 1921. This was in response to ideas suggested for such an event and resulted in a British win. In 1926, the event was staged again in Virginia and resulted in another easy win for Britain.

Moreover, it was after the 1926 event that Samuel Ryder, a seed merchant, suggested that the match become official. As such, the Ryder Cup was founded, with Ryder donating the trophy.

With that, in 1927, the first official Ryder Cup match was staged in Massachusetts. For the record, the United States first won this by a margin of 9.5 to 2.5. The first captains were Walter Hagen and Ted Ray of Great Britain.

From here on, the next event would be staged in 1929. This marked an historic first win for Great Britain, by 7 to 5. At any rate, a second British win in 1933 seemed to suggest the competition was finely poised.

However, this was premature, for the next seven Ryder Cups would be won by the United States. The post-war 1947 match was particularly one-sided, with an 11-1 victory to the US team.

Only in 1957 would Britain be able to defeat the United States again. Here, it came in England, where the British team would win by 7.5 to 4.5. Their victory here was the last time Britain alone would conquer the event.

The United States would win all the next 10 Ryder Cups. Their dominance remained, despite a spirited effort by the British in 1969. For here, they were able to force a 16-16 tie, courtesy of a generous gimmie from the US team. It was the first time the Ryder Cup had been tied. As defenders, however, the US retained the cup.

Great Britain and Ireland competed from 1973 to 77, in a bid to return it to the British Isles. Alas, they could not win the cup either, and calls for changes to make it more competitive had to be heard.

As such, in 1979, the British team was changed to a continental European side (now the EU). This, with an exciting generation of golfers from the likes of Spain, would ensure a stronger team for the US to play against. It would also ensure a lasting 28-match format for the event.

Initially, it did not seem to make a difference. The US would win three more Ryder Cups, albeit by a narrow 14.5-13.5 margin in 1983.

Then, at the Belfry in 1985, the EU would win its first Ryder Cup and end the American domination. It would usher in an era of far greater competition in the Ryder Cup, and the European team would defend the cup in the next two tournaments, courtesy of a 14-14 tie in 89.

Since then, Europe has had a marginal edge, with one more cup win than the US. In 1999, the US team was able to pull off a great comeback, matched with triumphant celebrations at the end. At any rate, it seems the competition is now well poised, and that should remain the case with Europe and America both having some great golfers.

Interestingly, the sporting nature of the competition has been called into question. Most recently, the American captain said it was okay for supporters to cheer missed putts by Europe. It was a far cry from the gimmies of 69.

Ultimately, the Ryder Cup has generated some great excitement and is far less predictable now than it was since 1979. Great European and US golfers have graced the stage, and the Ryder Cup has become the most popular golfing event in the game.