The Ryder Cup is one of the world's most prestigious sporting contests. Fiercely fought every two years, it uniquely pits teams from two golfing giants - Europe and the USA - against each other in a sport that is more usually associated with individual play.

But this is no exhibition match - nothing short of glory and national pride is at stake. The best players from both sides of the Atlantic fight for a place on their respective teams and team captaincy is a major responsibility.

This beautifully illustrated book tells the full story of this great tournament, from its humble beginnings in 1927 when Great Britain played the USA for a trophy provided by seed merchant Samuel Ryder, to the post-war dominance of the US team, to the introduction of European golfers into what had been the GB and Ireland team in the late 1970s, to the titanic, see-saw struggles of the modern day. It looks at each of the Ryder Cups, and features the great players, pairings, captains and courses along the way.

A book for sports fans everywhere, The Ryder Cup is the definitive history chronicling the prestige of this global sporting event.