The 2018 Ryder Cup takes place in France for the first time, but it marks the 42nd playing of Samuel Ryder’s event.
Over the years the balance of power in the event has changed hands multiple times. In the 60s and 70s, it was absolutely dominated by the Americans. The U.S. team didn’t lose a Cup in those two decades. The late 80s flipped to European favor. Ever since the mid-90s, the Euros have owned the event, winning eight of the last 11.
Who has the all-time lead? It’s not that simple. For many years, the event pitted the U.S. team against Great Britain, and then for another few Cups it was Great Britain & Ireland. It was only in 1979 that the entire continent of Europe was able to contribute players to the roster.
As it currently stands, the United States team has won 26 of the 41 Ryder Cup matches. But since Europe became a full-continent team, the Euros have won 11 of 19 matches. There have been two ties in the history of the event, in 1969 (retained by the U.S) and in 1989 (retained by Europe).
This year’s event follows an American victory in 2016 at Hazeltine, so the men in red, white and blue need just 14 points to retain the Cup this year. The Euros will need 14.5. to take it back for themselves.
