One of the most impressive aspects of Europe’s domination in the Ryder Cup – they won 8 of the 11 versions of the century – they often occupy weaker teams on paper.
This happened again in Rome two years ago, and despite their 12 players’ average world rankings far below the US, the European victory won a 16.5-11.5 victory.
But how does Luke Donald’s team in Rome compare to other European aspects?
Here, using world rankings as a measure, we examine the most powerful European teams ever made in the century and their performance.
Celtic Manor 2010
- European average world ranking: 18.2
- Results: Europe won 14.5-13.5
Statistically speaking, Colin Montgomerie’s team in Wales is the strongest lineup ever in Europe.
Monty’s team had a close encounter at one point with experienced firm strength such as Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, as well as rising stars Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer.
However, since Team USA averages 17.3 – 0.9 higher in the world rankings, they are still not on the strongest side. Maybe that explains why it is so close.
Medinah 2012
- European average world ranking: 18.9
- Results: Europe won 14.5-13.5
Two years later, the European team defended the trophy on American soil, and again, the European team was very strong, but still lags behind the Americans in the average world rankings, with a significant margin – 18.9 to 12.2.
But one of the best teams in Europe ever – Rory McIlroy ranked No. 1 in the world – the team at Jose Maria Olazabal fell from 10-4 to win our strongest man a little bit, the strongest team we have ever seen.
LE Golf National 2018
- European average world ranking: 19.1
- Results: Europe won 17.5-10.5
The same is true for Europe’s strongest lineup of the century and somehow prevails.
Thomas Bjorn’s team has four players in the world’s top eight (Justin Rose, Francesco Molinari, Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm), and Thomas Bjorn’s team has won 17.5-10.5 in Paris.
However, again, they are not the strongest team on paper. The average of the twelve Americans is 11.2 in OWGR.
Gleneagles 2014
- European average world ranking: 19.9
- Results: Europe won 16.5-11.5
Paul McGinley is in charge of Gleneagles in Scotland, and his strong lineup includes four of the world’s top six – Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose.
Again – do we find a pattern here? – The average Americans ranked better in the world, and, Europe led the first day, never looked back and ended up winning five games, which made no difference.
K Club 2006
- European average world ranking: 22.8
- Results: Europe won 18.5-9.5
Ian Woosnam’s team had enough strength throughout the process, although Sergio Garcia was their highest ranked golfer.
And, surprisingly, Europe actually has better average OWGRs for the top U.S., which include No. 1-3, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Jim Flick, but three players ranked 60th or higher.
The result is a nine-point hammer, and Europe showed dominance by winning singles 8.5-3.5.
How do European teams stack in 2025?
The Ryder Cup in New York is two weeks away from the Ryder Cup, and the average world ranking in Europe is 23.41. This is good news for Luke Donald.
Why? Europe’s six times this century averaged less than 25 in the world rankings, and they won five games (all of the games listed above).
A strong Europe usually means a victory for Europe, no matter how the United States looks on paper.
The counter-debate is that four of the five victories listed above were conducted on European soil. Winning the Ryder Cup was a huge inquiry, and eight of the last nine games have been won by the host.
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