Ryder Cup clothing: The good and the bad

From your football team’s cup winning strip to Tiger Woods’ iconic Sunday red, people always remember what people were wearing during these iconic moments. 

And the same rings true for European Ryder Cup fans looking back on those memorable clashes with the USA. 

There may have been some fashion faux-pas along the way but, nonetheless, they were still front and centre as the action unfolded. 

How many of the following kits bring back great memories of past Ryder Cups?

1979 – First European teamwear

So, Europe may not have got off to a great start clothing wise with this seemingly beige V-neck number, but it did mark the first ever European team.

Unfortunately, that team would fall to a 17-11 defeat on US soil. 

1985 – Europe’s first victory since 1957

Sam Torrance was the man who holed the winning putt for Europe at the 1985 Ryder Cup, which saw the US defeated for the first time in 28 years, sporting an iconic red V-neck jumper. 

The images of captain Tony Jacklin on Torrance’s shoulders celebrating the victory on the roof of The Belfry live long in the memory of many Ryder Cup fans.

1987 – First win on US soil and THAT Olazabal dance 

Two years after defeating America for the first time in nearly 30 years, Europe then won their first Ryder Cup on American turf. 

The light blue shirt is both synonymous with this victory and a rather entertaining victory dance from Spain’s José María Olazábal.

1995 – Questionable outfit, incredible victory 

Trailing by two points heading into the Sunday singles matches, Europe pulled off quite a sensational victory over the US at Oak Hill Country Club. 

And it is just as well they clawed back a victory after sporting a “striking” peach coloured jumper with brown trousers on Day One. 

2002 – Back to Basics

The 2002 European victory at The Belfry saw Team Europe wearing a pretty basic white polo with black trousers but it was in middle of one of the most memorable moments of the 2002 event, when Paul McGinley jumped into the lake on 18. 

Some say he did it in celebration, others think he was trying to get away from the beige jacket he would have to wear for the trophy ceremony. 

2004 – The blazer, polo and European flag combo 

Following Europe’s joint biggest victory over the USA, 9 ½ - 18 ½, hosted by Oakland Hills Country Club, nobody was quite sure what was going on with the grey blazer, yellow, black and white striped polo and European flags in the pockets the team sported after the event. 

Nor were many sure about the suede tan jackets the team flew home in. But, the players and captain Bernhard Langer probably didn’t care after such an impressive victory. 

2006 – Clarke’s emotional return

It goes without saying that the 2006 Ryder Cup was arguably the most emotional Ryder Cup in the history of the event and there was not a dry eye in the house when Darren Clarke made his was to the first tee. 

Iconic images of the Northern Irishman downing a pint of Guinness on The K Club’s balcony in the red, pink and blue striped polo even put a smile of American fans’ faces. And who could forget Ian Woosnam, the winning captain, parading the Ryder Cup trophy through the airport in a black leather jacket?

2010 – A Welsh wonder

The Argyle pattern on the gillet jumper of Graeme McDowell at Celtic Manor is etched in the mind of every Ryder Cup fan across Europe.

Why? Because this is what the Northern Irishman was wearing when he holed the winning putt at The 2010 Ryder Cup. Queue the crowd erupting on banks surrounding the green. 

2012 – The miracle of Medinah

From a European perspective, there may never be a better Ryder Cup than the 2012 “Miracle of Medinah.” 

Everything from Rory nearly missing his tee time and the message in the sky, to Kaymer holing a nervy short putt to secure an unforgettable come back, this really was a sensational Ryder Cup for Team Europe. 

The silhouette of the late Seve Ballesteros was embroidered on the sleeve and he was certainly looking down on the Europeans at Medinah. 

And now it is possible for fans to get their hands on official replica teamwear by Galvin Green. Click here to visit our online store.