Golf Ryder Cup Winners
Quick Answer
The Ryder Cup is a prestigious men's golf competition between teams from Europe and the United States, played every two years since 1927. The USA has dominated the competition historically, winning 27 times compared to Europe's 16 victories.
- Total USA Wins: 27 titles (including dominant period 1935-1983)
- Total Europe Wins: 16 titles (strong resurgence since 1985)
- Tied Matches: 2 (1969 and 1989)
- Next Event: The 46th Ryder Cup will take place in 2027 at
County Limerick, Ireland
The Ryder Cup is one of the most prominent and well-known golf competitions, uniting the best players from Europe and the US in a singular demonstration of talent, competition, and cooperation.
The Ryder Cup is unique because it combines strategy, teamwork, and passion in an intriguing way. During three days of intense competition, golfers compete in pairs and singles matches in the Ryder Cup, which places an emphasis on team spirit in contrast to traditional events where individual achievement is paramount.
“The Ryder Cup is the greatest team event in golf. It’s raw, unpredictable, and transcends the game — heavy on emotion, unity, and national pride.”
— Paul McGinley, former European Ryder Cup captain and player
Competition History and Format
The Ryder Cup features a unique format in professional golf, pitting 12-player teams against each other over three days of competition. The event alternates between courses in the United States and Europe, with the defending champion retaining the cup in case of a tie.
Early Dominance
From 1935 to 1983, the USA won 18 of 20 matches, with Great Britain/Europe managing only one victory in 1957.
European Resurgence
Since 1985, when continental European players joined, the competition has become remarkably balanced with Europe winning 13 of 20 matches.
Recent Form
Historically, home advantage has been significant in the Ryder Cup, evidenced by five consecutive home team victories in recent years. However, Europe's 2025 victory at Bethpage Black in the United States broke this trend.
Complete Winners List
Key Finding: The competition has evolved from American dominance (1935-1983) to a balanced rivalry since continental Europeans joined in 1979, making it one of sport's most compelling team competitions.
Notable Patterns and Statistics
Pro Tip: The Ryder Cup's biennial format creates exceptional drama, as teams must wait two years for redemption after a loss. This extended gap between competitions intensifies the rivalry and ensures each match holds enormous significance for players and fans alike.
Closest Matches
Several editions have been decided by just one point (14½–13½), including 1991, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2012, and 2014.
Largest Victories
The USA's 1947 victory (11–1) and 2021 win (19–9) represent two of the most dominant performances in Ryder Cup history.
Home Advantage
Since 1985, the home team has won 13 of 20 matches, demonstrating the significant impact of familiar conditions and crowd support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team has won the most Ryder Cups?
The United States has won 27 Ryder Cup titles, while Europe (including the earlier Great Britain and Ireland teams) has won 16 times. There have been 2 tied matches, in 1969 and 1989, where the defending champion retained the cup.
How often is the Ryder Cup played?
The Ryder Cup is played every two years, alternating between venues in the United States and Europe. This biennial schedule has been in place since the competition resumed after World War II, creating anticipation and ensuring the event remains special.
When was the first Ryder Cup held?
The first Ryder Cup was held in 1927 in Massachusetts, United States, where the USA defeated Great Britain 9½–2½. The competition was named after English businessman Samuel Ryder, who donated the trophy.
When did Europe start competing in the Ryder Cup?
European players were officially included in the competition starting in 1979, expanding from the previous Great Britain and Ireland team format. This change was made to create more competitive matches, and it succeeded dramatically, with Europe winning their first title in 1985.
Where did the 2025 Ryder Cup hold?
The 45th Ryder Cup in 2025 took place in Farmingdale, New York, at Bethpage Black. This marked the first time Bethpage hosts the Ryder Cup, though the course has previously hosted two U.S. Opens.
Who won the most recent Ryder Cup?
Europe won the most recent Ryder Cup, 2025 edition, defeating the United States 15-13 in New York, USA.
What happens if the Ryder Cup ends in a tie?
When the Ryder Cup ends in a tie, the defending champion retains the cup. This happened twice in the competition's history: in 1969 when the USA retained, and in 1989 when Europe retained.
References
- PGA of America. (2024). "Ryder Cup History and Records." PGA Official Website. Historical records of all Ryder Cup competitions from 1927-2023.
- European Tour. (2024). "Ryder Cup Results Archive." DP World Tour. Complete match results and scoring summaries.
- Golf Digest. (2023). "Ryder Cup Complete History." Golf Digest Magazine. Comprehensive analysis of competition evolution.
- BBC Sport. (2023). "Europe Wins 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome." BBC Sports Coverage. Recent competition results and analysis.
- United States Golf Association. (2024). "Team Competition Formats in Professional Golf." USGA Resources. Format and rules documentation.
Related Pages
Ryder Cup Venues
Explore the historic golf courses that have hosted the Ryder Cup over nearly a century of competition.
Learn More →Ryder Cup Overview
Learn more about the format, history, and significance of this prestigious team golf competition.
Learn More →Major Golf Tournaments
Discover other major golf tournaments including The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and PGA Championship.
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