In the build up to The Ryder Cup this month, Ryder Cup Europe and BMW, Official Partner of The Ryder Cup, teamed up to give fans the chance to pick their Ultimate Ryder Cup Team.
Now, we can now reveal the most popular players from the thousands of teams that were selected.
More than 80 players have represented Team Europe in Ryder Cups but only 12 have made the cut in our most popular Ultimate Ryder Cup Team.
Seve Ballesteros – 93%
Having played in eight Ryder Cups and arguably revolutionising the Europe vs USA matchup by adding fire and passion to matches, it is no wonder Seve Ballesteros was picked by just about everyone. Over the eight matches the magician picked up 12 ½ points for Team Europe.
Ian Poulter – 90%
Known as “The Postman” because he always delivers at a Ryder Cup, Ian Poulter was the second most popular pick in the thousands of Ultimate Ryder Cup Teams selected. His passion for the Europe vs USA matchup cannot be questioned and the fact he will always give 100% for Team Europe is no doubt the reason why he featured in 90% of teams.
Sergio Garcia – 89%
Making his ninth appearance at this year’s Ryder Cup and having picked up 22 ½ points for Europe so far, Garcia is a natural selection in the all-time great Ryder Cup team. With 89% of fans selecting the Spaniard, it is clear to see how important he is to a European Ryder Cup team.
Rory McIlroy – 89%
Rory McIlroy has been consistently at the top of the game for many years now and when it comes down to The Ryder Cup, you know he will produce something special, hence why he was selected in 89% of teams. After picking up two points in his first appearance in 2010, McIlroy has gone on to pick up three points in the next three consecutive matchups.
Justin Rose – 82%
As the only player to play The Ryder Cup three times or more and average three points per appearance, it comes as no surprise that Justin Rose featured in 82% of teams. The Olympic Gold medallist has been on the winning side twice in his four appearances and will look to add to that tally this year.
Bernhard Langer – 76%
Having represented Europe a staggering ten times, a feat only beaten by Sir Nick Faldo (11), and having played 42 matches over that period, Bernhard Langer certainly deserves his spot in the team. 76% of fans selected the German and having picked up 24 points, the second highest in European Ryder Cup history, it would be hard to leave him out.
Colin Montgomerie – 76%
Picking up 23 ½ points in nine appearances for Europe and remaining unbeaten in singles in all nine of his caps, Colin Montgomerie certainly credits being selected in 76% of fan teams. He has been at the heart of many memorable Ryder Cup moments – none more so than holing the winning putt at The 2004 Ryder Cup at The Belfry.
Jose Maria Olazabal – 75%
Jose Maria Olazabal was the eighth most popular name to make Ultimate Ryder Cup Teams and with a stellar record since his first appearance in 1987, it is no wonder why. The Spaniard picked up 20 ½ points in 31 matches and was also captain of the European side for the 2012 miracle of Medinah. His partnership with Seve was one the Americans feared and is still the most successful Ryder Cup partnership for Europe to date.
Sir Nick Faldo – 75%
With such an impressive Ryder Cup record, it is incredible that Sir Nick Faldo wasn’t picked in more than 75% of teams. The Englishman has played the most matches (46) and picked up the most points for Team Europe (25) in the 12 times he has represented Europe.
Lee Westwood – 62%
Lee Westwood’s foursome record is quite something, picking up 12 points in the alternate shot format. These points make up for more than half of the 23 points he has picked up across all three formats – the fourth highest amount of points won on Team Europe. All of this was enough to be selected in 62% of Ultimate Ryder Cup Teams.
Henrik Stenson – 61%
Known as the “ice man,” Henrik Stenson was selected in 61% of Ultimate Ryder Cup teams over the past few months. In four Ryder Cup appearances, the Swede has picked up a total of eight points, with three of these coming during Europe’s successful defence at Gleneagles in 2014.
Darren Clarke – 27%
Darren Clarke’s emotional appearance at The 2006 Ryder Cup at The K Club is arguably what he will be most remembered for in terms of The Ryder Cup. With a point percentage of 58%, picking up 11 ½ points in 20 matches, Clarke may feel slightly hard done by to have been selected in only 27% of teams. Regardless, the Northern Irishman sneaks into the team in the 12th spot.
CAPTAIN: Seve Ballesteros 27%
Yes, Seve may have made the team in number one spot, but fans also loved his victorious stint as captain in 1997. This was the first time The Ryder Cup had visited mainland Europe, played at Valderrama, with Seve’s team defeating the USA 14 ½ - 13 ½.
COURSE: The Belfry 27%
The Belfry is synonymous with The Ryder Cup having hosted the event more times than any other venue in the World. The course in North Warwickshire hosted the event in 1985, 1989, 1993 and most recently in 2001, and has been witness to some of The Ryder Cups most dramatic moments.
