Jon Rahm looks destined for Ryder Cup debut

Paris plays host to the Ryder Cup for the very first time in September when the 42nd edition of one the world’s most spectacular sporting events takes place at Le Golf National – the bi-annual clash between Europe and America.  Every two years, 24 of the best players from Europe and the United States go head-to-head in match-play competition.  Drama, tension, incredible golf, camaraderie, sportsmanship, are served in equal measure, captivating an audience of millions around the world.  It’s an event that transcends sport, yet remains true to the spirit of its founder, Samuel Ryder.

 

The Ryder Cup team selection is a mystery for many.  Well, that’s not too surprising really as much has changed since the first edition back in 1927.  In the early years the match was played every other year between Great Britain and the United States of America.  In 1973 an Irish golfer by the name of Christy O’Connor made his debut in the first ‘Great Britain & Ireland’ Ryder Cup team.  It was the start of an illustrious golf career for the Irishman.

 

Spanish golfing flair

 

Six years later, in 1979, the GB&I team invited players from ‘Continental Europe’  to join the team.  It was the year that two Spaniards made their debuts adding passion and flair to the proceedings: Seve Ballesteros and Antonio Garrido.  Ballesteros went on to conquer the world with his magical play, good looks and personality.

 

Spaniards have played an important role in the European Ryder Cup Team ever since.  Indeed, José María Olazábal formed an invincible Ryder Cup partnership with Seve.  In more recent years Sergio Garcia has added the unmissable Spanish flavour in the team.  In the last Ryder Cup at Hazeltine GC in the US, another Spaniard, Rafa Cabrera Bello, made his impressive debut.

 

Hatton heads Ryder Cup rankings

 

So how is the European team selection looking right now?  Well, an Englishman, 26-year old Tyrrell Hatton is heading the Ryder Cup rankings with fellow countryman Justin Rose in second place.  In third spot, another Spaniard is set to make his debut in the Ryder Cup: Jon Rahm.  The twenty-three old has taken the golf world by storm.  In no time at all, he has proved himself to be a very classy player.  He is hot and on-form.  In the Masters earlier this year, he finished as the best European in 4th place.   He is currently ranked as number 4 in the world.  So it’s no wonder that the player from Barrika lies in third spot in the European Ryder Cup rankings as well as second in the World Points List.

 

The 2017 Masters Champion Sergio Garcia is another strong contender to make this year’s squad along with Rafa Cabrera Bello.  Now three Spaniards in the European dream team would certainly add some flair.  What a sumptuous thought!

 

Wendy Hoad

 

 

The Ryder Cup

Le Golf National, Paris, France.  28 – 30 September 2018

 

Visit the official site: www.rydercup.com

 

 

Nice to know …

How does the Ryder Cup team selection work exactly?

 

In Europe the Ryder Cup team comprises 12 players: the first 4 players from the ‘European Points List’ together with the first 4 European players from the ‘World Points List’.  The final  4 players are ‘wildcards’ – the choice of European Team Captain Thomas Bjorn.

In America, the team selection is a little different.  The first 8 players are chosen from the ‘points rankings’ with 4 ‘wildcard picks’ from US Captain Jim Furyk.

 

 

MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: The Spanish legend Seve Ballesteros embraces the Ryder Cup.