Every two years the eyes of the golfing world focus on golf’s biggest team clash, the Ryder Cup. Certain players have defined their careers in this competition and many have played their best golf representing their country or continent. So who are the Ryder Cup all-time top points scorers? Let’s count down from 10…
Ryder Cup all-time top points scorers: Team Europe
10. Ian Woosnam
Appearances: 8 (1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993 1995, 1997)
W-L-H: 14-12-5
Points: 16.5
Ian Woosnam enjoyed a long Ryder Cup career and was able to tally up all 14 of his match victories without winning a singles match.
9. Tony Jacklin
Appearances: 7 (1967, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979)
W-L-H: 13-14-8
Points: 17
Tony Jacklin was a regular in Ryder Cup teams for more than a decade and continued his strong relationship with Team Europe even when he was not in the playing squad. He captained Europe in four consecutive Ryder Cups in the 1980s and led them Europe to their first victory in the United States.
8. Rory McIlroy
Appearances: 7 (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023)
W-L-H: 16-13-4
Points: 18
Rory McIlory has been a regular in the Team Europe side since making his debut at Celtic Manor in 2010. The Northern Irishman recorded his best return at a Ryder Cup during the 2023 edition at Marco Simone Golf & Country to move inside the top 10 European points scorers.
7. Jose Maria Olazabal
Appearances: 7 (1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1997, 1999, 2006)
W-L-H: 18-8-5
Points: 20.5
Jose Maria Olazabal was a crucial component of Europe’s Ryder Cup teams for a significant period of time. During that time he formed strong partnerships with Seve Ballesteros and Sergio Garcia, and was the winning captain for the Miracle at Medinah.
6. Seve Ballesteros
Appearances: 8 (1979, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995)
W-L-H: 20-12-5
Points: 22.5
Seve Ballesteros was a formidable player for Europe and when playing alongside Jose Maria Olazabal the pair won 11 out of 15 matches. He famously captained the Europeans to victory at Valderrama in 1997, the first ever edition to be held in continental Europe.
5. Colin Montgomerie
Appearances: 8 (1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006)
W-L-H: 20-9-7
Points: 23.5
Colin Montgomerie is another who competed in a number of successive Ryder Cups. The Scot was strong in singles and never lost over that format.
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T3. Lee Westwood
Appearances: 11 (1997, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2021)
W-L-H: 21-20-6
Points: 24
Lee Westwood took part in 10 consecutive Ryder Cups before becoming a vice-captain in 2018 in France. He then qualified for a record-equalling 11th at Whistling Straits.
T3. Bernhard Langer
Appearances: 10 (1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2002)
W-L-H: 21-15-6
Points: 24
In a Ryder Cup career spanning more than 20 years, Bernhard Langer was a key element of the European side and went on to captain the team in victory in 2004.
2. Nick Faldo
Appearances: 11 (1977, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997)
W-L-H: 23-19-4
Points: 25
Nick Faldo is tied with fellow Englishman Lee Westwood for the record for most appearances on the European side and has also played the most matches. He was a losing captain in 2008.
1. Sergio Garcia
Appearances: 10 (1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021)
W-L-H: 25-13-7
Points: 28.5
Sergio Garcia remains the youngest player to play in a Ryder Cup. He was 19 years and 258 days old when he teed it up at the infamous 1999 event at Brookline. The Spaniard became the all-time leading scorer when he surpassed Nick Faldo’s record by half a point in 2018, and in 2021 became the player with more wins than any other player in history.
The best Ryder Cup player of all time? You bet.
