Could the Ryder Cup spark an outpouring of European-ness?

Few competitions pitch the whole of Europe against the United States. The Ryder Cup began formally in 1927 as a contest between Great Britain and the US. It was expanded to include first Ireland and then continental Europe in 1979 –- this was partly to include a new generation of top-class Spanish golfers. Since then the Europeans have won nine out of 17 contests (it takes place every two years), so the chances of victory are certainly boosted by drawing upon a wider group of talent.

But how many fans on the eastern side of the Atlantic will wave the European flag during this competition? And if so how deeply do those feelings of European-ness really run?

Website: Ryder Cup Europe http://www.rydercup.com/europe/

ESO: Background information: Message of congratulations to Colin Montgomerie, Team Europe Ryder Cup Captain http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-message-of-congratulations-to-colin-montgomerie-team-europe-ryder-cup-captain/

Debating Europe, 08.07.14: If a European team wins the World Cup will people feel more “European”? http://www.debatingeurope.eu/2014/07/08/european-team-wins-world-cup-will-people-feel-european/

Sport & EU Review, Vol.6, No.1, p14-19 May 2014: Europeanisation of the Ryder Cup? http://www.sportandeu.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/SportEU-Review-vol-6-no-1-May-2014.pdf

European Commission: RAPID: Statement, STATEMENT/14/292: Congratulation message from President Barroso to Mr. McGinley and the European team on retaining the Ryder Cup in Europe http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-14-292_en.htm

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