Sergio Garcia
The only player on either shortlist who is still competing, Sergio Garcia has been a Ryder Cup phenomenon since he made his debut in 1999. The youngest ever Ryder Cup player in 1999, his partnership with Jesper Parnevik lit up the opening two days at Brookline and appeared to have hauled Europe to the brink of a famous victory before being reduced to tears by the American fight back in the singles. The ultimate team player, he has 8.5 points out of 9 in the foursomes and has only lost twice in ten outings in the fourballs. Irrepressible, enthusiastic and driven, Garcia is the rightful heir to Seve’s crown as Europe’s irresistible Ryder Cup force.
Appearances: (5) 1999, 2002, 04, 06, 08
Record: 67%, Played 24, Won 14, Lost 6, Halved 4
Tony Jacklin
Tony Jacklin makes the European shortlist for two compelling reasons. As a player during some of Great Britain and Ireland’s darkest day he was the one Ryder Cup adversary that the Americans feared and respected. Never was that more obvious than on the 18th green at Royal Birkdale in 1969 when Jack Nicklaus conceded a putt that gave Jacklin the half he needed to tie the Cup. Then, as captain, Jacklin galvanised the European side and reinvigorated an event that had seemed in danger of collapsing under the weight of American supremacy. Jacklin inspired his side to win the Ryder Cup for the first time in 28 years in 1983 and then, in 1987, to win in America for the first time in 60 years of competition. Must be considered the Captain against whom all others are measured.
Appearances: (7) 1967, 69, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79. Captain 1983, 85, 87, 89
Record: 47%, Played 35, Won 14, Lost 13, Halved 8
Jose-Maria Olazabal
The third Spaniard to make our shortlist and further proof of the incredible impact the advent of the Europeans has had on the event. Olazabal, who was a rookie member of Europe’s history making 1987 team, formed part of the event’s most enduring and successful partnerships with Ballesteros. The 12 points they won from their 15 games together is more than double the total achieved by any other pair in Ryder Cup history. One of the event’s great fighters Olazabal lost only five of the 31 Ryder Cup games he played and lies fifth on the all time European scorers list with a 66% points percentage that is beaten by only Garcia. In 2006 he returned to the event and took three points out of three including two stirring fourball victories with Sergio Garcia and a comfortable singles win over Phil Mickelson.
Appearances: (7) 1987, 89, 91, 93, 97, 99, 2006. Vice-Captain 2008
Record: 66%, Played 31, Won 18, Lost 8, Halved 5