From Garcia setting a new record for matches won and extending his lead as the all-time points scorer to Lee Westwood's record for most matches played in a Ryder Cup, there were several records that were broken or equalled at Whistling Straits.
Westwood ties all-time Europe appearance record
The first of these records belong to Lee Westwood, and it’s one that he achieved by teeing up on Thursday.
It’s a fitting achievement for Westwood, who ties Sir Nick Faldo’s record of 11 appearances for Team Europe. Why so fitting? When the Englishman made his debut as a rookie in the 1997 Ryder Cup, he played his first four matches alongside Sir Nick Faldo – winning two of a four possible points.
Most points won
Sergio Garcia was one of Captain Pádraig Harrington’s picks, and he proved his worth alongside fellow Spaniard Jon Rahm, winning all three points together in two foursomes and one four-ball match.
In doing so, Garcia extended his own all-time points record from 25.5points to 28.5 points, having previously overtaken Faldo’s record of during the previous contest at Le Golf National.
Matches played
Heading in to the week, Lee Westwood had played 44 matches for Team Europe – two shy of Faldo’s record and three shy of the all-time record held by Phil Mickelson. Having played in both foursomes sessions alongside Matt Fitzpatrick, and earning a point in his singles match against Harris English, Westwood set a new European record of 47 matches played in blue and gold.
Lee Westwood has now played the most matches for #TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/XnXU4oPfbD
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 26, 2021
Foursomes Matches played
Lee Westwood arrived in Whistling Straits with a record of playing 18 foursomes matches in his career, which tied Bernhard Langer and Sir Nick Faldo for the most played by anyone for Team Europe. Westwood played both session, taking the lead on his own, with Garcia now just one behind Westwood after also playing each foursomes match this year.
Most matches won for Team Europe
Garcia already held the record for number of points won for Team Europe, but this week he also achieved a new record in matches won – overtaking Faldo’s previous record of 23. Garcia added three wins to his previous tally of 22, setting a new record of 25 for matches won by a European in a Ryder Cup.
Most fourball points won
Ian Woosnam and José María Olazábal – two former European Captains – shared the record for most fourball points won with 10.5 heading in to this week. With Garcia’s victory in the Saturday four-ball alongside Jon Rahm, he now joins this impressive roster too.
Most foursomes points won
Garcia was already at the top of this one with Langer on 11.5 points, just half a point ahead of Westwood and Faldo. With Garcia winning both foursomes sessions, he now has 2 more points than any other European player to reset this record.
Other history made this week
Viktor Hovland (Norway) and Bernd Wiesberger (Austria) made their debuts in a Ryder Cup, becoming the first players from their respective countries to play for Europe.
The U.S. Team won by a record margin of victory with their 19-9 total, which is half a point more than Europe won in both 2004 and 2006. It’s the largest win since Continental Europe became part of the Ryder Cup in 1979.
