Golf’s Greatest Rivalry – Fun Facts about The Ryder Cup!

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 02:28 PM

September is set to go out with a bang this weekend in Rome, where Team Europe is preparing to take on Team USA at the 44th Ryder Cup Tournament. The GolfOnline office is teeming with excitement ahead of the weekend. Here’s some of our favourite Ryder Cup facts as well as the Ryder Cup gear you can find on our website today!

1.The Americans haven’t won on European soil in 30 years!

Not since The Belfry in 1993 has the US team been able to secure an away victory. But Captain Zach Johnson will be hoping to change that on Sunday, giving the Americans the back-to-back wins they are all hoping for.

“The European teams have been very stout, very good, very deep, and this year is no different. It’s just difficult. I know what history says. I’m very aware of that. But at the same time I can speak confidently, and talking to my team, these guys are ready and want to embrace that difficulty and want to just look at this as a great opportunity,” said Johnson at a press conference earlier in the week.

2. Italy is Hosting for the First Time

This year’s Ryder Cup will be played at Marco Simone Golf Club. Located on the outskirts of Rome, the golf course was given a redesign in 2018 to provide numerous risk and reward opportunities for the best players in the world. Spectators will also be given incredible access to on-course action as well as distant views of gorgeous Rome.

The golf course has already played host to the last three Italian Opens, making it the perfect setting for Team Europe!

3. At the Ryder Cup – Age is Just a Number

The Ryder Cup is all about the team, and over the years team members have played at every stage of life. Back in 1993, Raymond Floyd became the oldest Ryder Cup player when he joined the American Team at 51. In 1999, Sergio Garcia became the youngest Ryder Cup player at the tender age of 19.

4. Rookie Power

Team Europe and Team USA both go into the tournament with four rookies. This is only the 5th time in its history that the number of rookies is equal on both sides.

5. New Blood

While the US Team was able to include LIV golfers, Team Europe wasn’t able to access golfers like Sergio Garcia or Henrik Stenson as both players forfeited DP World Tour membership when joining the Saudi-backed Tour. For Rory McIlroy, their absence will be felt this week but it’s not something he’s overly concerned about.

“I think they are going to miss being here more than we’re missing them, so it’s just more I think this week is a realisation that the decision that they made has led to not being a part of this week, and that’s tough,” McIlroy told reporters this week.

Show Your Support with Official Ryder Cup Gear…

If you’re as excited as we are about the Ryder Cup, you’ll love the golf gear made to show your support. Buy yours now at GolfOnline!