Sept. 22-28, 2025 Bethpage Black Course, Farmingdale, NY

With just one week until The 42nd Ryder Cup begins, rydercup.com takes a look back at the best quotes from previous editions.

Our final throwback begins with the 2014 edition at Gleneagles, where Paul McGinley captained Europe and Tom Watson skippered the visiting United States team. While McGinley selected home favourite Stephen Gallacher for the contest in Scotland, Watson gave a Captain's Pick to Keegan Bradley, who had combined so well with Phil Mickelson in 2012.

Europe took a 3-5 lead into the Saturday matches and took control of the contest on the second day to lead 6-10. There was no complacency from McGinley's side, with Europe mounting a comeback from the same scoreline to win two years previously. After Graeme McDowell beat Jordan Spieth in the opening match, Europe edged out their opponents to win 11½ - 16½. 

Spectators at The 2014 Ryder Cup

Here is a selection of some of the best quotes from that week at Gleneagles...

"They have a wonderful team, but we came in here thinking we could beat them. Turns out we couldn't."  -Tom Watson, on Europe's superiority in Scotland.

"I couldn't have asked for an ounce more from them. I've been involved in so many Ryder Cups and seen mistakes we've made." - Paul McGinley, on the commitment shown by his European team.

"I have as much fun playing as I do watching someone take to it like a duck to water." - Lee Westwood, on the impressive display from debutant Jamie Donaldson.

"He's re-written how captaincy is supposed to be. He's dealt with all the players in such an amazing way, and he's made everyone feel so special." Thomas Bjørn, on McGinley's captaincy.

"That first tee is like a sudden death play-off in a major - it feels like there's 20,000 people on one hole. It's incredible. It's an awesome event to play in." - Jamie Donaldson, on the famed Ryder Cup atmosphere.

Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy

The 2016 edition at Hazeltine National represented an important week for Davis Love III's team, with Europe on the verge of winning four Ryder Cups in a row. Darren Clarke led the Europeans in Minnesota, selecting Thomas Pieters for his Ryder Cup debut following his win at the Made in Denmark.

A fast start from the Americans saw them take a 0-4 lead in the morning foursomes, before Europe won three of the four afternoon matches. Pieters and Rory McIlroy had formed a formidable partnership, winning all three of their matches together, but the USA led by 6½ - 9½ heading into Sunday. Patrick Reed set the tone after defeating McIlroy in the day's first match and the Americans surged to an 11-17 victory.

The 2016 Ryder Cup

Here are a selection of quotes from the week in Minnesota...

"Hindsight is a wonderful thing but even with that we wouldn't have made any changes." - Darren Clarke, on the defeat to Love III's team.

"Any time I can get in front of the crowd, and especially the Americans, and have the red, white and blue on, it just fuels me." - Patrick Reed, on the adrenalin rush of competing for his country.

"We have been kicked around for so long. You keep losing and you feel like you have to do something different. We all said we are going to do whatever it takes." - Davis Love III, on the motivation to win.

"Whether I was playing or not, I was part of a team. I take pride in the work I do out there. This is no exception.” - Tiger Woods, on his role as vice-captain.

"It just gives us that little incentive, not that we need any more incentive, but we’re going to want to get it back on our home turf next time." - Rory McIlroy, on what Europe can take from defeat.

The American team celebrate in 2016
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