The best (and worst) player records at the Ryder Cup
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We all have our favorite players from down the years – but who can boast the best and worst Ryder Cup records? Let’s dive into the history books…
Being one of the best golfers in the world does not guarantee success at the Ryder Cup. The cut and thrust of the biennial contest between America and Europe is a completely different beast to the regular 72-hole stroke play events that dominate the men’s calendar.
Suiting up to represent something far bigger than yourself and staring down your opponent(s) in match play can make even some of the most talented golfers whither.
In contrast, while some shrink, this tournament brings out the best in others. Others who perhaps don’t quite reach the same individual heights as their peers, but who thrive in the unique environment of the Ryder Cup.
With that in mind, we run through the best and worst Ryder Cup records.
*Stats from 1979 when the tournament was extended to include all of Continental Europe. Includes players who played in at least eight matches over two Ryder Cups.
Team USA
Let’s start with the boys in red, white and blue…
Best Ryder Cup player records
| PLAYER | RECORD | POINTS WON | PERCENTAGE |
| Larry Nelson | 9-3-1 | 9.5/13 | 73% |
| Patrick Cantlay | 5-2-1 | 5.5/8 | 68.75% |
| Patrick Reed | 7-3-2 | 8/12 | 66.67% |
| Lanny Wadkins | 20-11-3 | 21.5/34 | 63.24% |
| Hale Irwin | 7-4-1 | 7.5/12 | 62.5% |
| Craig Stadler | 4-2-2 | 6/8 | 62.5% |
| Corey Pavin | 8-5-0 | 8/13 | 61.54% |
| Justin Thomas | 9-6-2 | 10/17 | 60% |
Worst Ryder Cup player records
| PLAYER | RECORD | POINTS WON | PERCENTAGE |
| Fuzzy Zoeller | 1-8-1 | 1.5/10 | 15% |
| Harris English | 1-4-0 | 1/5 | 25% |
| Bubba Watson | 4-10-0 | 4/14 | 28.57% |
| Ben Crenshaw | 3-8-1 | 3.5/12 | 29.17% |
| Bryson DeChambeau | 3-6-2 | 4/11 | 31.25% |
| Steve Stricker | 3-7-1 | 3.5/11 | 31.82% |
| Mark O’Meara | 4-9-1 | 4.5/14 | 32.14% |
| Rickie Fowler | 3-9-5 | 5.5/17 | 32.35% |
| Jim Furyk | 10-20-4 | 11/34 | 35.29% |
| Curtis Strange | 6-12-2 | 7/20 | 35% |
Team Europe
And now for those in blue and gold…
Best Ryder Cup player records
| PLAYER | RECORD | POINTS WON | PERCENTAGE |
| Paul Way | 6-2-1 | 6.5/9 | 72.22% |
| Tommy Fleetwood | 11-4-2 | 12/17 | 70.59% |
| Luke Donald | 10-4-1 | 10.5/15 | 70% |
| Jon Rahm | 9-3-3 | 10.5/15 | 70% |
| Manuel Pinero | 6-3-0 | 6/9 | 66.67% |
| Jose Maria Olazabal | 18-8-5 | 20.5/31 | 66.13% |
| Colin Montgomerie | 20-9-7 | 23.5/36 | 65.28% |
| Ian Poulter | 15-8-2 | 16/25 | 64% |
| Sergio Garcia | 25-13-7 | 28.5/45 | 63.33% |
| Justin Rose | 16-10-3 | 17.5/29 | 60.32% |
Worst Ryder Cup player records
| PLAYER | RECORD | POINTS WON | PERCENTAGE |
| Matt Fitzpatrick | 3-8-1 | 3.5/12 | 29.17% |
| Ken Brown | 4-8-0 | 4/12 | 33.33% |
| Sam Torrance | 7-15-6 | 10/28 | 35.71% |
| Miguel Angel Jimenez | 4-8-3 | 5.5/15 | 36.67% |
| Mark James | 8-12-1 | 8.5/21 | 40.48% |
| Paul Casey | 4-7-5 | 6.5/16 | 40.63% |
| Padraig Harrington | 9-13-3 | 10.5/24 | 42% |
| Ludvig Åberg | 3-4-0 | 3/7 | 42.86% |
| Thomas Bjorn | 3-4-2 | 4/9 | 44.44% |
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Which players have the best (and worst) Ryder Cup records?
