There have been some classic Ryder Cup tournaments over the years and it’s always challenging to pick out your favourite. We asked one of the best coaches in the sport, Pete Cowen, which one stands out the most for him.
“My favourite Ryder Cup has probably got to be the first one (in Continental Europe) at Valderrama in 1997 when Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke were rookies and Seve Ballesteros was captain. That was an impressive event with the weather being so bad and washed out.”
The 1997 Ryder Cup was a tribute to the 40 year old Ballesteros as he captained the team for the first time in his home country of Spain.
“Seve included us quite a lot and invited the coaches into the team room all the time so we felt like we were part of it,” adds Cowen. “Some of the Captains don’t want the coaches in the team room which I think is odd but that’s their choice.”
Europe were triumphant in the 1997 Ryder Cup 14 ½ to 13 ½ with Colin Montgomerie being the standout performer with 3.5 points and it was the Scotsman who made a part putt on the final hole to seal the victory. This was the first of six consecutive victories on home soil by Europe.
It was an unforgettable event with Europe pulling off an upset against a US team that had Tiger Woods making his debut and were heavy favourites.
