Europe will be aiming for a place in Ryder Cup history by seeking an unprecedented third successive victory when the 33rd Ryder Cup Matches take place at The Country Club, Brookline, Massachusetts, from September 24-26.
The closest the European team came to achieving that feat was in 1989 following victories over the United States at The Belfry in 1985 and Muirfield Village two years later. Although the Ryder Cup was retained by Europe in 1989, the match finished tied at 14-14.
However, European captain Mark James and his side containing seven rookies fly to the United States confident that they can give another fine account of themselves in Boston against Ben Crenshaw’s team.
James, who attempts to follow in the footsteps of victorious captains, Bernard Gallacher (1995) and Seve Ballesteros (1997), said: “The Ryder Cup, as I discovered from personal experience, is not only about nationalistic pride and passion.
“More than anything, those wonderful matches between Europe and the United States have demonstrated that the game of golf is synonymous with integrity, fair play and goodwill.
“Both Ben Crenshaw and myself are in accord that the 1999 Ryder Cup at The Country Club will follow those exemplary traditions. Ben has always held the game is the highest esteem and we are certain that, whatever the outcome, new friendships will be forged and old ones strengthened.
“The Ryder Cup is the ultimate team competition in golf. Millions have been enthralled as events have unravelled in the two decades since the best of the continent joined forces with Great Britain and Ireland. I am sure this latest chapter will be equally spellbinding and that the 24 players and two captains will be richer for the experience.”
