GOLF
Ryder Cup 2023: (almost) all your questions answered
Even for non-golf fans, this USA against Europe sporting match-up over three days is something not to be missed. So make sure you know your basics.
It’s almost time for us to settle down again for the bi-annual contest that pits the best golfers from Europe and the United States against each other. The 2023 Ryder Cup takes place in Rome starting on Friday 29 September, and with a little help from PA, we bring you a bunch of statistics that provide you with valuable insights into the history and current state of the famous competition, highlighting the achievements of notable players and the its rich legacy. Enjoy...
Know your Ryder Cup
How many times has the Ryder Cup been held in continental Europe?
This year’s renewal at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club is only the third time the competition has been staged in continental Europe, following 2018 in Paris and 1997 at Valderrama.
How many Ryder Cup events have there been in total?
The Ryder Cup is now celebrating its 44th staging since its inception.
Who dominated the early years of the Ryder Cup?
The United States dominated the Ryder Cup, particularly against Great Britain and Ireland, with 27 wins up to 1977.
How many points are required to win the Ryder Cup trophy outright?
A team needs to accumulate 14 1/2 points to win the Ryder Cup trophy outright. In case of a 14-14 draw, America would retain the trophy.
Who holds the record for most Ryder Cup appearances?
American Phil Mickelson holds the record for the most Ryder Cup appearances with 12.
Who has won the most points in Ryder Cup history?
Europe’s Sergio Garcia has won the most points in the event’s history, totalling 28 1/2 points. He is also the only teenager to have played in the contest.
How many holes in one have been recorded in Ryder Cup history?
There have been six holes in one in Ryder Cup history, with the first occurring in 1973 by Peter Butler and the most recent in 2006 by Scott Verplank, who is the only American to achieve this feat. Europe’s Paul Casey also achieved a hole in one.
What is the record margin of victory in an 18-hole match?
The record margin of victory in an 18-hole match is 8 & 7, achieved by Americans Tom Kite over Howard Clark in 1989 and Fred Couples over Ian Woosnam in 1997. The European record is 7 & 5.
Who holds the record for most Ryder Cup pairings?
Spanish duo Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal played as a Ryder Cup pairing on a record 15 occasions, winning 12 points together.
How does the current USA team rank?
The USA team includes six of the world’s top 10 players, with Scottie Scheffler holding the number one ranking. However, Europe has the next three players in the rankings with Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Viktor Hovland.
Who is the lowest-ranked player in the European team?
Europe’s Nicolai Hojgaard is the lowest-ranked player in Rome, one place lower than his European team-mate Ludvig Aberg. Rickie Fowler, at 25, is the lowest-ranked American.
Who is the highest-ranked player to miss this year’s Ryder Cup?
World number 16 Cameron Young is the highest-ranked player to miss out on this year’s Ryder Cup event.
How many points did the captains win in their playing careers?
Europe’s Luke Donald played 15 matches across four European wins in 2004, 2006, 2010, and 2012, winning 10 1/2 points. American skipper Zach Johnson played 16 times in five appearances from 2006 to 2016, also accumulating 10 1/2 points during his Ryder Cup career.