How the UK's Leave vote could change the Ryder Cup

Following Friday’s announcement that the United Kingdom will leave the European Union we are asking the big question: How will this affect the Ryder Cup?

Right now, we aren’t totally sure. In reality probably not at all given the competition’s history and the very fact Britain is a European country (and everyone loves to get one over the Americans!).

The Ryder Cup is steeped in history, tradition and currently the European side have it all their own way over their counterparts from across the pond. Plus, nobody likes change (or so we thought!).

But, if things were to take a turn how would a U.K and Rest of Europe team individually shape up to face the U.S.A or even each other?

We investigate with a bit of a captains pick twist.

Ryder Cup

United Kingdom – ranking picks..

Rory McIlroy , Danny Willett , Justin Rose, Chris Wood , Russell Knox , Lee Westwood , Matthew Fitzpatrick , Andy Sullivan, Jamie Donaldson.

Captain picks.. (if in their prime)

Nick Faldo. Reason: This team is severely lacking in experience!

Colin Montgomerie. Reason: Statistically the most successful Ryder Cup player, ever.

Ian Poulter. Reason: Do we even have to explain? Cor, what a man in European colours.

Ryder Cup

Rest of Europe ranking picks..

Henrik Stenson, Sergio Garcia, Shane Lowry, Rafael Cabrera Bello, Soren Kjeldson, David Lingmerth, Bernd Wiesberger, Martin Kaymer, Thomas Pieters.

Captain picks.. (if in their prime)

Seve Ballesteros. Reason: Although his stats aren’t that impressive, the Spaniard was always a spark of inspiration and could do almost anything with a golf ball.

Bernhard Langer. Reason: A reliable German with a solid putter, what more could you want?

Jose Maria Olazabal. Reason: If you’re picking Seve, you must include his trusty partner in crime and fellow Spaniard.

Let us know who you think would have the stronger team and what your captain picks would be in the comment section below.

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Tom Irwin

Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.