The Ryder Cup starts this Friday and to celebrate the illustrious occasion, Dr Ian McHale of the University of Manchester provided analysis to find the top 20 all-time Ryder Cup players.
Players are only considered if they have played at least 10 matches in the biennial event.
As well as quality of opponents, the study looked at winning margins and the calibre of playing partner in fourball and foursome matches.
1 / 20
19= Jim Furyk (USA)
2 / 20
19= Graeme McDowell (Europe)
3 / 20
17= Lee Westwood (Europe)
4 / 20
17= Costantino Rocca (Europe)
5 / 20
16. Phil Mickelson (USA)
6 / 20
15. Jose Maria Canizares (Europe)
7 / 20
13= Fred Couples (USA)
8 / 20
13= Nick Faldo (Europe)
9 / 20
12. Seve Ballesteros (Europe)
10 / 20
11. Corey Pavin (USA)
11 / 20
10. Tom Watson (USA)
12 / 20
9. Hale Irwin (USA)
13 / 20
8. Bernhard Langer (Europe)
14 / 20
7. Lanny Wadkins (USA)
15 / 20
5= Larry Nelson (USA)
16 / 20
5= Tom Lehman (USA)
17 / 20
4. Jose Maria Olazabal (Europe)
18 / 20
3. Ian Poulter (Europe)
19 / 20
2. Tom Kite (USA)
20 / 20
1. Colin Montgomerie (Europe)- never lost a Ryder Cup singles match - and won 65 per cent of the points available to him.
