The Little Guide to The Ryder Cup

Samuel Ryder's vision behind the contest between two nations was to "influence a cordial, friendly and peaceful feeling throughout the whole civilised world." Throughout its hundred-year history, that spirit has made some notable appearances. But for the most part, it's been gritty, teeth-clenched competition - the outcome of which has meant much more than it should. The British golf commentator and eight-times Ryder Cup player Peter Alliss put it best: "It would be very easy to drool with sentimentality over the Ryder Cup. But, at the end of the day, it is simply two teams trying to knock seven bells out of each other, in the nicest possible way." Whether or not you're a golfer, the Ryder Cup has always had international significance that doesn't always bring harmony: these two continents have chips on their shoulders, and it's all about winning. Packed with quotes and descriptions of key events, stories about leading characters, statistics, records - as well as greatest shots, best banter and most offensive golf wear - this little book of quotes, anecdotes and facts encapsulate the competition's unique spirit and global significance. As American golfer Kenny Perry said: "I said this week would define my career, but it hasn't. It has made it." SAMPLE TEXT "We went over there to win, not be good ol' boys." - American team captain Sam Snead could not conceal his anger after Jack Nicklaus famously (and generously) conceded Tony Jacklin's putt on the 18th green, resulting in the 1969 Ryder Cup being tied. "All men die, but not all men live. This week, you made me feel alive again." - Europe Captain Jose Maria Olazabel after his team had secured an unexpected victory at Medinah in 2012 Who is the golfer featured on the Ryder Cup trophy? Abe Mitchell, a British professional golfer and friend of Samuel Ryder. He played in three Ryder Cups between 1929 and 1933. Ryder's choice was a snub to US Captain Walter Hagen, who had recently beaten Mitchell in a challenge match. Left handers at the Ryder Cup: It wasn't until 1977, 50 years after the Ryder Cup's foundation, that the first left-handed golfer took part - Peter Dawson, for Great Britain and Ireland. Since then, only four others have followed: Phil Mickelson (US), Bubba Watson (US), Brian Harman (US) and Robert MacIntyre (Europe).