Ryder Cup News: Team USA Meets Team Europe in Golf's Most Partisan World Tournament Beginning Friday
The 40th Ryder Cup biennial men's golf competition between teams from Europe and the USA is all set for September 26-28 at The PGA Centenary Course in Gleneagles, Scotland. Named after Samuel Ryder, the British businessman who donated the trophy cup, the golf tournament is jointly administered by the PGA of America and the PGA European Tour. Defending champion Europe has won the last two competitions.
The 12-man team of Europe has Paul McGinley as captain. It is composed of 25-year old Rory McIlroy who has a 4-3-2 (3rd appearance) record and has a world ranking of 1; 38-year old Henrik Stenson who has a 2-3-2 (3rd appearance) record and a world ranking of 3; 24-year old Victor Dubuisson who is a rookie and a world ranking of 21; 38-year old Jamie Donaldson who is another rookie with a world ranking of 28; 34-year old Sergio Garcia who has a 16-8-4 (7th appearance) record and a world ranking of 4; 34-year old Justin Rose who has a 6-3-0 (3rd appearance) record and a world ranking of 5; 29-year old Martin Kaymer who has a 3-2-0 (3rd appearance) record and a world ranking of 12; 43-year old Thomas Bjorn who has a 3-2-1 (3rd appearance) record and a world ranking of 26; 35-year old Graeme McDowell who has a 5-5-2 (4th appearance) record and a world ranking of 16; 41-year old Lee Westwood who has an 18-13-6 (9th appearance) record and a world ranking of 38; 38-year old Ian Poulter who has a 12-3-0 (5th appearance) record and a world ranking of 36; and, 39-year old Stephen Gallacher who is another rookie and has a world ranking of 33.
USA has Tom Watson for team captain. Its 12-man roster is comprised of 35-year old Bubba Watson who has a 3-5-0 (3rd appearance) record and a world ranking of 9; 25-year old Rickie Fowler who has a 0-1-2 (2nd appearance) record and a world ranking of 11; 44-year old Jim Furyk who has a 9-17-4 (9th appearance) record and a world ranking of 7; 35-year old Jimmy Walker who is a rookie and has a world ranking of 19; 44-year old Phil Mickelson who has a 14-18-6 (10th appearance) record and a world ranking of 10; 36-year old Matt Kuchar who has a 3-2-2 (3rd appearance) record and a world ranking of 8; 21-year old Jordan Spieth who is another rookie and has a world ranking of 14; 24-year old Patrick Reed who is another rookie and has a world ranking of 27; 38-year old Zach Johnson who has a 6-4-1 (4th appearance) record and a world ranking of 15; 28-year old Keegan Bradley who has a 3-1-0 (2nd appearance) record and a world ranking of 23; 32-year old Hunter Mahan who has a 3-2-3 (3rd appearance) record and a world ranking of 20; and 29-year old Webb Simpson who has a 2-2-0 (2nd appearance) record and a world ranking of 32.
Fowler was pictured sporting a new haircut with "USA" shaved into the side of his head as he stepped off the plane at the Edinburgh airport.
