The Amazing Competition for a Four Pound Trophy

The 2018 Ryder Cup was a rousing success in every conceivable way except one. The U.S.A. team failed to retain the Cup. A determined, clutch-shooting European squad rode the thunderous cheers of their passionate fans to a  17.5 to 10.5 victory.

For those who attended the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National near Paris, the experience was unforgettable.

“The excitement amongst the fans was unbelievable and seeing the gestures and chants was so inspiring,” says Kathy Mulligan, a passenger on Premier Golf’s Ryder Cup Cruise, which sailed from Paris to Normandy following the matches. “The European fans were very knowledgeable and respectful and it made for a fantastic atmosphere.”

The PGA Tour’s Chip Beck, a three-time Ryder Cupper and host on the Ryder Cup River Cruise, summed up the experience this way:

“For spectators, it was definitely the best Ryder Cup ever to view in person. With the mounding and well-placed grandstands, you were able to get close to the players, sit in elevated areas and see some amazing golf shots.”

Beyond the fairways at Le Golf National, those who attended the matches enjoyed seeing the sights in Paris, savoring exquisite French cuisine and wines, shopping on the Champs-Èlysèes and at Les Halles and basking in the bistro and cafe lifestyle.

“The French did a phenomenal job of hosting the Ryder Cup,” Beck Says.

 Ryder Cup facts guaranteed to make you a star on Trivia Night:

–The treasured Ryder Cup is not that intimidating. It stands only 17 inches tall and weighs 4 pounds.

–55,000 people attended the matches each day.

–Attendees traveled from more than 80 countries

–In the celebrity match on Tuesday, the U.S.A. team was victorious. Members of the team included Michael Phelps, John McEnroe, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Nick Jonas, Samuel L. Jackson and Luke Wilson.

–Each European player won at least one match. Francesco Molinari went 5-0-0, only the fourth man in Ryder Cup history to do so.

–Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson combined to go 0-6-0.

–The U.S.A. team’s leading scorer was Justin Thomas who went 4-1-0 followed by Tony Finau and Webb Simpson who both went 2-1-0.

–The U.S.A. team has not hoisted the Cup on European soil since 1993.

–The European team has now won nine of the past 12 Ryder Cup matches.

–2018 was a disappointing loss for the Americans, but not as decisive as 2006 when they fell 18.5-9.5 at the K Club.

–With his victory over Rickie Fowler in the singles matches, Sergio Garcia surpassed Nick Faldo to become the biggest contributor in Ryder Cup history with 25.5 points.

–Phil Mickelson broke Nick Faldo’s record for Ryder Cup appearances with a record-setting twelfth at this year’s matches.

The 2020 Ryder Cup will be held at the Straits Course at Whistling Straits in Kohler Wisconsin on September 25-27.