GOLF’S biggest grudge match is nearly here – and the Ryder Cup is as massive as it gets.
Samuel Ryder initiated the competition in 1927 at Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts and ever since it has been a fiery affair.
This time Padrig Harrington skippers Europe, while Steve Stricker captains the United States for the 43rd Ryder Cup.
As always there are some new faces casual fans may not have seen before, while huge names such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Francesco Molinari and Justin Rose missing out.
Team Europe confirmed Ryder Cup line-up
Jon Rahm
- Ryder Cup appearances: 1
- Age: 26
- Country: Spain
- World No 1 has justified his billing. Won the US Open and has 13 top ten finishes this year.
Tommy Fleetwood
- Appearances: 1
- Age: 30
- Country: England
- Won all four matches with Francesco Molinari in Paris. Improved form in last couple of weeks.
Tyrell Hatton
- Appearances: 1
- Age: 29
- Country: England
- Fiery customer who must control his temper if baited by hecklers. Won in Abu Dhabi this year.
Bernd Wiesberger
- Appearances: Debut
- Age: 35
- Country: Austria
- Showed plenty of bottle to claim his place in the final qualifying event. Length will be handy.
Rory McIlroy
- Appearances: 5
- Age: 32
- Country: Northern Ireland
- Four-time Major winner but form has been disappointing, apart from a victory at Quail Hollow.
Viktor Hovland
- Appearances: Debut
- Age: 24
- Country: Norway
- First Norwegian to play in the Ryder Cup and a huge talent. Three wins and many more to come.
Paul Casey
- Appearances: 4
- Age: 44
- Country: England
- English veteran started the year with his 19th career victory at the Dubai Desert Classic.
Matt Fitzpatrick
- Appearances: 1
- Age: 27
- Country: England
- Silky putter who defies being a short hitter by winning on courses that should be too long.
Lee Westwood
- Appearances: 10
- Age: 48
- Country: England
- Just scraped in after a final round shocker at Wentworth. Needs to find early-season form again.
Sergio Garcia
- Appearances: 9
- Age: 41
- Country: Spain
- Became highest points scorer in Ryder Cup history in Paris. How could you leave him out?
Shane Lowry
- Appearances: Debut
- Age: 34
- Country: Ireland
- Former Open champion was bumped out at Wentworth but is highly rated by Harrington.
Ian Poulter
- Appearances: 6
- Age: 45
- Country: England
- His birdie blitz inspired the Miracle at Medinah. Ryder Cup really brings the best out in him.
Team Europe confirmed Ryder Cup line-up
Collin Morikawa
- Appearances: Debut
- Age: 24
- The Open champion is a double Major winner already. Great iron player but a Cup rookie.
Dustin Johnson
- Appearances: 4
- Age: 37
- World No 2 is in his fifth Ryder Cup but has been erratic since 2020 Masters win on 20 under.
Bryson DeChambeau
- Appearances: 1
- Age: 28
- Longest hitter in golf – and often the wildest. At 27, this is the Mad Professor’s second Cup.
Brooks Koepka
- Appearances: 2
- Age: 31
- Four-time Major ace has been battling injury and DeChambeau, who he dislikes. Third Ryder Cup.
Justin Thomas
- Appearances: 1
- Age: 28
- Ex-USPGA champ was Yanks’ standout star on Paris debut with four points. Will be key again.
Patrick Cantlay
- Appearances: Debut
- Age: 29
- Hottest player on the planet after winning final two FedEx Cup events but 29-year-old is a rookie.
Tony Finau
- Appearances: 1
- Age: 32
- The monster hitter shed ‘nearly-man’ tag by winning Northern Trust Open. Second cap.
Xander Schauffele
- Appearances: Debut
- Age: 27
- Olympic gold medallist will form a potent duo with practice partner and fellow rookie Cantlay.
Jordan Spieth
- Appearances: 3
- Age: 29
- Fourth cap for the three-time Major champ, who has regained his magical putting touch.
Harris English
- Appearances: Debut
- Age: 32
- Broke eight-year drought with two wins this year and 32-year-old rookie went close at US Open.
Daniel Berger
- Appearances: Debut
- Age: 28
- Feisty Floridian will relish the head-to-head battles and is ultra consistent.
Scottie Scheffler
- Appearances: Debut
- Age: 25
- Rookie was surprise pick as he has not won on PGA Tour but a topten in last three Majors.
Where is the Ryder Cup taking place?
This year’s Ryder Cup is being fought out at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
Hosting the event rotates between Europe and the US every two years.
