With the most points won of any player (25), representing Europe a record 11 times and, in turn, playing the most matches of any player in Ryder Cup history (46), it goes without saying that Sir Nick Faldo is one of the greatest Ryder Cup players of all-time.
His 11 consecutive appearances between 1977 and 1997 is yet to be matched by any European. They made the Englishman an integral part in the turnaround of Europe’s Ryder Cup fortunes during this period.
His first appearance came in 1977, representing Great Britain & Ireland, and, although it would end in a 12 ½ - 7 ½ defeat for the team, Faldo did prove his Ryder Cup credentials by winning all three of his matches.
However, it wouldn’t be until 1985 that Faldo would find himself on a winning side. Quite an incredible stat when you consider his record in the lead up to the 1985 event saw the six-time major winner with a win percentage of 73.33 percent (11-4-0).
His last appearance would come under Seve Ballesteros at Valderrama in 1997, in which Europe would clinch a 14 ½ -13 ½ victory.
Faldo would unfortunately fall to a 3&2 defeat in his final singles match, however he did pick up two vital points in the afternoon foursomes on day one and in the morning four balls on day two, both alongside Lee Westwood.
Come the end of his 20 year Ryder Cup career, Faldo would pick up 23 victories, 19 losses and four halves, making him Europe’s most successful player at the biennial event.
Unfortunately, Faldo’s stint as Team Europe captain in 2008 wasn’t as successful as his time representing Europe as a player.
Played at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky, Faldo’s side would fall to a 16 ½ - 11 ½ defeat to Paul Azinger’s American side.
It wasn’t only the Ryder Cup where Faldo excelled. With three Masters victories, three Open Championship titles and 30 European Tour wins to his name, it is no surprise Faldo is one of the world’s all-time great players.
