As today marks day one of this year’s Ryder Cup, let’s highlight some fun facts that help make this event so special. With both the United States and Europe having team members of both enthusiastic youth and veteran wisdom on their roster, it was during the 1993 and 1999 that set records. During the 1993 Ryder Cup, Raymond Floyd competed at 51 years old. Even as the oldest competitor ever to dawn the star and stripes, he helped gain three points to help lead the American’s to victory that year. On the other side of father time, Sergio Garcia became the youngest player ever at 19 years old when he competed in the 1999 event. Even with Sergio’s inexperience, he was able to bring production. That year he gained three points as well as a halve during his debut. The Spaniard hopes to bring similar production in 2018, as his play as of late has been less than stellar.
When thinking of the Ryder Cup dynamic duos, the history books has Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal as the most productive tandem ever. With a record fifteen matches played side by side, this duo also went 11-2-2. With only two losses, this will be hard to match by current roster pairings. On the American side, the current Batman and Robin duo includes Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth. Winning two and a half points in 2014 out of three, as well as two and a half points out of four in 2016. This puts seven matches total as a team, which is the most ever on the American side. This outmatched on the European side, with at least eleven pairings together for at least seven matches. Reed seems to think he is Batman in this pairing, so we will see if this band gets back together in 2018.
Lastly, with the return of Tiger Woods to the winner’s circle during the Tour Championship, his hot play will be tested against the European field. Many questions arise during his return representing more than just his daunting Sunday red. While adding white and blue to his attire this week, he hopes to improve on his disappointing 9-16-1 overall record. With these sixteen losses, has come a search for a consistent playing companion. Tiger has had twelve partners in his seven Ryder Cup appearances. Woods might have multiple comrades this week, which will surely bring out some of the highlights for this years event in Paris.
