USA have not won a Ryder Cup on European soil since 1993 and are looking to put an end to that barren run in Italy later this year. 

Team Europe were trounced by a dominant American team at Whistling Straits in 2021, a chastening experience which prompted calls for a sharp transition to younger talent. 

That process may have been accelerated by the LIV Golf schism, however a merger between the PGA, DP World and LIV tours now raises the questions of whether American and European ‘rebels’ will be eligible for selection. 

The Rickie Fowler resurgence at the 2023 US Open at Los Angeles Country Club will thrill US captain Zach Johnson as the countdown intensifies, but the pitiful form of Justin Thomas will be a huge concern.

What is the Ryder Cup?

One of the most-watched sporting events in the world, the Ryder Cup is distinctive for inserting athletes from an individual sport into a team environment. Aside from the golf, the team dynamics and relationships have made for compelling viewing.

Amateur golfer and businessman Samuel Ryder conceived the idea of a match between British and American professionals, with the inaugural Ryder Cup played in Massachusetts in 1927. 

The match was played between an American and British or British and Irish team until 1977. 

After nine USA victories and one tie in 10 meetings, Jack Nicklaus wrote a letter to Lord Derby (then president of the British PGA) suggesting Britain and Ireland merge with Continental Europe to make the Ryder Cup more competitive. 

Ryder Cups became far more closely fought and dramatic by the mid-Eighties, and the extravaganza we know today was born.

When is it? 

The Ryder Cup is always staged in late September or early October after the season’s major championships, and lasts for three days. 

This year’s Ryder Cup starts on Friday, September 29 with the final day on Sunday, October 1.

Where is it? 

The 44th Ryder Cup will be hosted by Italy for the first time in its history. 

The venue is the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club just outside Rome, which has previously hosted the Italian Open. 

Italian players to represent Europe with distinction include Costantino Rocca and the Molinari brothers, Francesco and Eduardo.