The Ryder Cup is golf’s most prestigious team competition, contested biennially between Europe and the United States since 1927.
This comprehensive guide covers all Ryder Cup winners from 1927 through 2023, including team records, host venues, and prize money evolution.
The Ryder Cup winners’ history reveals the dominance of certain nations and the dramatic shifts in competitive balance across nearly a century.
Ryder Cup Winners List: Complete Year-by-Year Results Table
| Year | Winning Team | Score | Host Venue | Location |
| 2023 | Europe | 16.5-11.5 | Marco Simone | Italy |
| 2021 | United States | 19-9 | Whistling Straits | Wisconsin |
| 2018 | Europe | 17.5-10.5 | Le Golf National | France |
| 2016 | United States | 17-11 | Hazeltine | Minnesota |
| 2014 | Europe | 16.5-11.5 | Gleneagles | Scotland |
| 2012 | Europe | 14.5-13.5 | Medinah | Illinois |
| 2010 | Europe | 14.5-13.5 | Celtic Manor | Wales |
| 2008 | United States | 16.5-11.5 | Valhalla | Kentucky |
| 2006 | Europe | 18.5-9.5 | The K Club | Ireland |
| 2004 | Europe | 18.5-9.5 | Oakland Hills | Michigan |
| 2002 | Europe | 15.5-12.5 | The Belfry | England |
| 2000 | United States | 14.5-13.5 | Brookline | Massachusetts |
| 1999 | Europe | 14.5-13.5 | Brookline | Massachusetts |
| 1997 | Europe | 14.5-13.5 | Valderrama | Spain |
| 1995 | Europe | 14.5-13.5 | Oak Hill | New York |
| 1993 | United States | 15-13 | The Belfry | England |
| 1991 | United States | 14.5-13.5 | Kiawah Island | South Carolina |
| 1989 | Tied | 14-14 | The Belfry | England |
| 1987 | Europe | 15-13 | Muirfield Village | Ohio |
| 1985 | Europe | 16.5-11.5 | The Belfry | England |
| 1983 | United States | 14.5-13.5 | PGA National | Florida |
| 1981 | United States | 18.5-9.5 | Walton Heath | England |
| 1979 | United States | 17-11 | The Greenbrier | West Virginia |
| 1977 | United States | 12.5-7.5 | Lytham St Annes | England |
| 1975 | United States | 12.5-7.5 | Laurel Valley | Pennsylvania |
| 1973 | United States | 19-13 | Muirfield | Scotland |
| 1971 | United States | 18.5-13.5 | St. Louis | Missouri |
| 1969 | Tied | 16-16 | Royal Birkdale | England |
| 1967 | United States | 23.5-8.5 | Houston | Texas |
| 1965 | United States | 19.5-12.5 | Royal Birkdale | England |
| 1963 | United States | 23-9 | Atlanta | Georgia |
| 1961 | United States | 14.5-9.5 | Royal Lytham | England |
| 1959 | United States | 8.5-3.5 | Eldorado | California |
| 1957 | Great Britain/Ireland | 7.5-4.5 | Lindrick | England |
| 1955 | United States | 8-4 | Thunderbird | California |
| 1953 | United States | 6.5-5.5 | Wentworth | England |
| 1951 | United States | 9.5-2.5 | Pinehurst | North Carolina |
| 1949 | United States | 7-5 | Ganton | England |
| 1947 | United States | 11-1 | Portland | Oregon |
| 1937 | United States | 8-4 | Southport & Ainsdale | England |
| 1933 | Great Britain/Ireland | 6.5-5.5 | Southport & Ainsdale | England |
| 1931 | United States | 9-3 | Scioto | Ohio |
| 1929 | Great Britain/Ireland | 7-5 | Wentworth | England |
| 1927 | United States | 9.5-2.5 | Worcester | Massachusetts |
United States Dominance: Early Era (1927-1975)
The United States dominated early Ryder Cup winners competitions decisively. From 1927 through 1975, American teams won the majority of matches through superior depth and consistency.
The 1967 match at Houston saw the United States defeat Great Britain and Ireland 23.5-8.5, one of the most dominant performances in Ryder Cup winners history.
American success continued through the 1970s, establishing a winning tradition that influenced competitive expectations.
Europe’s Rise: The Modern Era (1979-Present)
Europe emerged as a competitive force in 1979 when the rule expanded the European team beyond Great Britain and Ireland. This change transformed Ryder Cup winners competition fundamentally.
The 1985 Ryder Cup at The Belfry marked a turning point, with Europe capturing their first win with a 16.5-11.5 victory. From 1987 through 2018, European Ryder Cup winners dominated, capturing eight matches while the United States won only three.
Recent years show balanced competition. The United States won in 2000, 2008, 2016, and 2021. Europe won in 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2023.
Recent Ryder Cup Winners
Europe claimed the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone in Italy with a 16.5-11.5 victory. The United States captured the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin with a commanding 19-9 performance, demonstrating renewed American strength.
Prize Money Evolution
Early Ryder Cup winners competed for prestige with no financial compensation. Prize money increased modestly through the 1970s, then accelerated dramatically as broadcasting rights generated enormous revenue.
| Era | Year | Prize Distribution |
| Early | 1927 | Prestige only |
| Growth | 1957 | Limited bonuses |
| Expansion | 1979 | Team bonuses |
| Modern | 2000 | $5+ million |
| Current | 2023 | $15+ million |
Modern Ryder Cup winners receive substantial team bonuses with distributions reaching millions for winning squads. Broadcasting rights now generate hundreds of millions in international revenue.
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Great Britain and Ireland Era (1927-1977)
Before 1979, Ryder Cup competition featured Great Britain and Ireland versus the United States. This format limited European team development and created uneven balance.
Great Britain and Ireland Ryder Cup winners proved rare. Notable victories occurred in 1929, 1933, and 1957. The 1957 Ryder Cup at Lindrick remains celebrated, ending a long American winning streak and providing generations of competitive inspiration.
Tied Matches
Two Ryder Cup matches ended in ties. The 1969 match at Royal Birkdale finished 16-16, and the 1989 match at The Belfry also tied at 14-14. Neither team claimed victory in these exceptional contests.
Host Venues
Early American Ryder Cup winners played primarily on U.S. courses. International venues expanded beginning in the 1970s. European courses now regularly host matches, providing home advantage to European Ryder Cup winners.
Notable venues include Valderrama in Spain, Le Golf National in France, The K Club in Ireland, Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, and Kiawah Island in South Carolina. These prestigious locations showcase golf excellence across continents.
All-Time Ryder Cup Winners Records
The United States has won the Ryder Cup 28 times, with Europe winning 18 times and two matches ending in ties throughout Ryder Cup winners history.
This modern balance reflects genuine competitive equality between continental powers.
Tiger Woods leads all-time Ryder Cup points for American Ryder Cup winners. European standouts include Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, and Sergio Garcia.
Recent American talent includes Patrick Cantlay, Collin Morikawa, and Scottie Scheffler, representing the next generation of Ryder Cup competitors.
Legendary Performances
The United States established a Ryder Cup winning streak from 1955 through 1975. Europe countered with dominance from 1985 through 1995, excluding the 1989 tie.
These extended runs shaped competitive identity for generations of Ryder Cup winners.
FAQs
What is the Ryder Cup?
The Ryder Cup is a biennial golf competition between Europe and the United States, contested biennially in alternating venues since 1927.
How many times has the United States won the Ryder Cup?
The United States has won 28 Ryder Cup matches, with Europe winning 18 matches and two ties throughout complete Ryder Cup winners history.
Which country won the most recent Ryder Cup?
Europe won the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone in Italy, defeating the United States 16.5-11.5 in direct competition.
Where will the next Ryder Cup be held?
The 2025 Ryder Cup will be contested at Bethpage Black Course in New York with the United States hosting European competition.
How much money do Ryder Cup winners receive?
Modern Ryder Cup winners receive substantial team bonuses and individual compensation packages worth millions distributed among squad members.
How many players are on each Ryder Cup team?
Each Ryder Cup team consists of 12 players selected through qualifying performance rankings and captain’s discretionary picks.
