The 2010 Ryder Cup Matches

Can Team USA triumph in Europe to retain the Cup so valiantly won at Valhalla? All eyes are on Wales

By Susanne Kemper

Founded over 80 years ago on prestige, pride and golfing camaraderie rather than prize money, the Ryder Cup matches have grown and evolved.

The History

The initial informal matches were played in 1921 at Gleneagles, Scotland. The British trounced the Americans 9-3. In 1926, London's Wentworth hosted another unofficial match. Samuel Ryder, an ardent spectator at Wentworth and a wealthy English seed-packet magnate, was a late-in-life golfer who took up the game after his 50th birthday. Ryder's private pro was British star Abe Mitchell. Mitchell beat then reigning British Open champion, American Jim Barnes, 8 and 7 in the singles. He partnered with George Duncan in the foursomes to beat Walter Hagen and Barnes, 9 and 8. The U.S. team was overwhelmed again, this time 13 1/2 to 1 1/2.

At tea after the matches, Ryder met with British team members Duncan and Mitchell. Hagen and U.S. teammate Emmett French joined them. The idea of a trophy and matches came from the tea table. Ryder enthusiastically ordered a gold chalice with Mitchell's likeness on the top - the Ryder Cup. In Ryder's view the matches were not just about competition but also about building relationships.

According to his daughter, Joan, " When the Americans came over for a match he would give a 'small friendly lunch party' for both teams."

Play formats have changed several times over the years. The current format was inaugurated in 1979: four four-ball and four foursomes matches the first two days, twelve singles matches on the third day for 28 total points.

Before Continental Europe players joined the competition, the team made up solely of players from Great Britain and Ireland won only three times from the Cup's inception. Since 1985, however, the Europeans have won eight of twelve Ryder Cup Matches.

The Course

The 38th Ryder Cup Matches will be played at Celtic Manor in Newport, Wales, from Oct. 1 to 3. This will be the first time in the history of the Cup that the matches will be played in Wales. The host venue is a stunning five-star resort with a course built especially for the Matches. It's nestled on 1,400 acres of breathtaking woodlands only two hours from London. Of course, Welsh golfers from Ian Woosnam to Brian Hugget have played significant roles in many of the past Matches, both as players and captains.

The Twenty Ten Course, which opened July 2007, is the first course to have been designed and built specifically for the Ryder Cup. The par 71, 7,493-yard layout offers optimum challenge to the world's best golfers in various match-play formats - a maximum of risk and reward opportunities. Long rough and greenside swales will be prevalent, and water hazards come into play on half the course. Nine new holes meander along the floor of the beautiful Usk Valley, complemented by nine remodeled holes that were part of the former Wentwood Hills Championship course. This course is also the first to consider the viewing needs of Ryder Cup fans. Great vantage points for the public were built into the overall design.

The Captains

U.S. Captain, California native son Corey Pavin, has the critical mission to retain the Cup at Celtic Manor. Winner of the 1995 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, the 5'9" UCLA graduate has won around the world since turning pro in 1982. Known for years as "The Bulldog," Pavin's impressive achievements include 15 PGA victories, 12 international victories and participation in three Ryder Cup and two President's Cup matches. Having recently turned 50, Pavin is now playing on the 2010 Champions Tour as well as the PGA Tour. He wants to "to stay in touch with the guys [who will make up the team], playing as much as possible with them."

Pavin has an impressive 60-percent win record in the Ryder Cup, with eight U.S. points. In 2006, he was Tom Lehman's assistant captain at the K Club in Ireland.

"I remember being part of the last U.S. victory abroad at The Belfry in 1993," he says. "Victory is our goal for 2010, but we all need to have fun and enjoy the moment."

Captain Corey is doing his all to fulfill his mission. He has appointed four assistant captains: Tom Lehman, Davis Love III, Jeff Sluman and Paul Goydos. He wants experience, communication, strategy and team spirit to be enhanced to the maximum for Team USA. A fine new addition to the behind-the-scenes team is his wife, Lisa Pavin, who is helping to coordinate the administrative side of Team USA and its commitments. She has even created Ryder Cup cupcakes!

Scotland's Colin Montgomerie, who has long brought his A game to the Matches, will captain this year's European team. "Monty" played on eight Ryder Cup teams from 1991 to 2008. The 45-year-old, who will be the 22nd European and sixth Scottish captain, has been Europe's star and most forceful player with a 20-9-7 record in the Cup since his initial appearance.

Monty has never lost a singles match -an incredible Ryder Cup record. But this year is something different for him. "This is the proudest moment of my career," he says. "Playing in eight Ryder Cups and winning eight Harry Vardon trophies [has been incredible], but to be named The European Team Ryder Cup captain is something to cherish."

Monty has never served as assistant captain or captain, so he's now learning the tournament's behind the scenes demands, studying them with his well-known dedication. He will lead a very strong European side to Wales.

2010 Teams

Twelve men compete for each side. The selection process has been modified for 2010.

Team Europe: European members will be selected employing the team's traditional criteria; however, new in 2010, Montgomerie will choose the final three players.

Team USA: The United States points system remains the same as the 2008 criteria for choosing the top eight players. These will be selected on August 15. Pavin will then select an additional four players on Sept. 7 to complete the United States roster.

Team USA's defense of the Cup is not to be missed. Drama, excitement and great shot making will be present at the Ryder Cup Matches as always, and space for fans is still available. Captain Corey and Team USA want your support in their efforts to retain the cup abroad for the first time since 1993.

Susanne Kemper is a contributing writer to Colorado Golf Magazine