You Can’t Spell Ryder Cup Without LIV Golf

The Ryder Cup, golf’s biennial battleground where Europe and the United States clash in a crucible of team competition, has evolved into a global sporting spectacle over its near-century-long history. Since the late 1990s, the event has produced some of its most iconic moments—heart-stopping comebacks, clutch putts, and raw emotion etched into golf’s collective memory. At the heart of these defining chapters stand players who now call the LIV Golf League home. From Sergio Garcia’s record-shattering 28.5 points to Phil Mickelson’s unmatched 12 appearances and Dustin Johnson’s flawless 5-point performance in 2021, LIV Golf players have been the architects of the Ryder Cup’s modern legacy. American titans like Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed, and Bubba Watson, alongside European stalwarts Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Paul Casey, Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter, Henrik Stenson, and Lee Westwood, have shaped the past 25 years of this storied event.

The European Vanguard: Sergio Garcia’s Unrivaled Legacy

No player embodies the Ryder Cup’s passion more than Sergio Garcia, Europe’s all-time leading point-scorer with 28.5 points across ten appearances (1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021). His 25-13-7 record (.649 winning percentage) is a testament to his match-play wizardry. Garcia debuted at Brookline in 1999 at age 19, going 3-1-1 as Europe fell 14.5-13.5 in the “Battle of Brookline.” His fiery spirit shone in 2006 at The K Club, where he posted a 4-1-0 record, winning both foursomes and four-ball matches but defeated by Stewart Cink in singles during Europe’s 18.5-9.5 rout. The 2012 “Miracle at Medinah” cemented his legend: Garcia’s 2-2-0 performance, including a critical singles win over Jim Furyk, fueled Europe’s historic comeback from a 10-6 deficit to win 14.5-13.5. In 2018 at Le Golf National, he went 3-1-0, helping Europe dominate 17.5-10.5. Garcia’s partnerships with Rory McIlroy and Alex Noren showcased his versatility, making him the heartbeat of Europe’s golden era.

It appears Luke Donald will leave the heartbeat of European Ryder Cup golf home this year. Sergio showed flashes in the early season of contending for a roster spot, but ultimately will fall short in his quest to extend his Ryder Cup points record.

Phil Mickelson: America’s Enduring Standard-Bearer

Phil Mickelson’s 12 Ryder Cup appearances (1995, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018) stand as a record for American players, edging out Lee Westwood for the most all-time. His 18-22-7 record (.457 winning percentage) across 47 matches reflects the U.S.’s challenges during Europe’s dominant stretch, but Mickelson’s impact transcends wins and losses. In 2014 at Gleneagles, Mickelson’s 2-1-0 record, highlighted by a singles victory over Stephen Gallacher, showcased his resilience despite Europe’s 16.5-11.5 win. His 2016 performance at Hazeltine (2-1-1) contributed to the U.S.’s first victory since 2008. Mickelson’s final appearance in 2018 (0-2-0) was quieter, but his vice-captain roles and mentorship have shaped modern U.S. teams.

Keegan Bradley's choice not to enter 2025 as a Ryder Cup player-captain feels like it hurts America's chances to win on home soil, with Keegan playing some of the best golf this country has to offer. It was very obvious to many that stepping aside as captain and playing under Phil Mickelson at Bethpage was the "best of both worlds" solution. But American golf is currently held captive by the good ol' boys club. The right choice for the team and the fans was never an option.

Dustin Johnson: The 2021 Masterclass

Dustin Johnson’s 2021 Ryder Cup performance at Whistling Straits is etched in history as one of the event’s most dominant displays. Going 5-0-0, he powered the U.S. to a 19-9 victory. Paired with Collin Morikawa in two foursomes wins and one four-ball, and Brooks Koepka in one four-ball victory, Johnson capped his week by outlasting Paul Casey 1-up in a gripping singles match. His overall Ryder Cup record (12-9 across 2010, 2012, 2016, 2018,2021) yields a .571 winning percentage, with his 2021 perfection standing alone. Johnson’s stoic intensity, turned Whistling Straits into his personal playground, proving LIV players have authored the Ryder Cup’s pivotal moments.

American LIV Icons: DeChambeau, Koepka, Reed, and Watson

Bryson DeChambeau (2018, 2021)
Bryson DeChambeau’s Ryder Cup tenure (2-3-1, .417 winning percentage) spans two appearances, reflecting both struggle and redemption. His 2018 debut at Le Golf National was tough, going 0-3-0 in a 17.5-10.5 U.S. loss, with losses in foursomes and four-ball alongside Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. In 2021 at Whistling Straits, DeChambeau rebounded with a 2-0-1 record, defeating Sergio Garcia 3 & 2 in singles and halving a four-ball match with Scottie Scheffler against Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton.

Brooks Koepka (2016, 2018, 2021, 2023)
Brooks Koepka’s four Ryder Cups (8-6-2, .500 winning percentage) showcase his major-champion grit. In 2016, he debuted with a 3-1-0 record, partnering with Brandt Snedeker for two four-ball wins and beating Danny Willett in singles. His 2018 performance (1-2-1) couldn’t stem Europe’s tide, but in 2021, he went 2-2-0, including a foursomes win with Daniel Berger. In 2023, Koepka’s 1-1-1 record included a 3&2 win over Ludvig Aberg. Brooks put in the work in 2025 to try to get back in form to make the team, but fell short of his own expectations.

Patrick Reed (2014, 2016, 2018)
Patrick Reed, dubbed “Captain America,” electrified three Ryder Cups (7-3-2, .583 winning percentage). His 2014 debut at Gleneagles (3-0-1) featured a singles win over Henrik Stenson. In 2016, Reed’s 3-1-1 record included an epic 1-up singles victory over Rory McIlroy, a duel that defined the U.S.’s Hazeltine triumph. His 2018 struggles (1-2-0) marked a low in Europe’s 17.5-10.5 win, but Reed’s intensity made him a Ryder Cup lightning rod, delivering unforgettable showdowns. He is LIV Golf's biggest Ryder Cup snub in 2025.

Bubba Watson (2010, 2012, 2014, 2018)
Bubba Watson’s four Ryder Cups (4-10-0, .286 winning percentage) reflect the U.S.’s lean years. In 2010, he went 1-3-0, winning a four-balls match with Jeff Overton. The 2012 “Miracle at Medinah” saw Watson go 2-2-0 as Europe staged their comeback. In 2014, he posted 0-3-0, and in 2018, he was 1-2-0. Watson’s emotional leadership, added heart to U.S. teams, even if his record mirrors Europe’s dominance. Players with passion like Bubba's don't grow American trees, as witnessed by the bored-looking faces during the 2025 captain's picks announcement in Frisco.

European LIV Pillars: Casey, Hatton, Kaymer, McDowell, Poulter, Rahm, Stenson, and Westwood

Paul Casey (2004, 2006, 2008, 2018, 2021)
Paul Casey’s five Ryder Cups (4-7-5) highlight his reliability. In 2004, he went 1-1-0, winning a four-ball match with David Howell. His 2006 record (2-0-2) included a singles match victory over Jim Furyk. In 2008, he was 0-1-2, but 2018 saw improvement to 1-1-1 in Europe’s loss.

Tyrrell Hatton (2018, 2021, 2023)
Tyrrell Hatton’s three Ryder Cups (5-4-2, .455 winning percentage) reveal a fiery competitor. In 2018, he went 1-2-0, winning a four-ball match with Paul Casey. His 2021 performance (1-2-1) included a four-balls match win with Shane Lowry, and in 2023, Hatton’s 3-0-1 record, with a singles win against Brian Harmon, aided Europe’s 16.5-11.5 victory at Marco Simone. His intensity fuels LIV’s Ryder Cup narrative as the center for the best team competitors on the planet.

Martin Kaymer (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016)
Martin Kaymer’s four Ryder Cups (5-6-3, .357 winning percentage) peaked with his 2012 “Miracle at Medinah” heroics. His 1-up singles win over Steve Stricker clinched Europe’s 14.5-13.5 comeback. Kaymer went 2-1-0 in 2010, 1-1-2 in 2014, and 1-3-0 in 2016.. His composure in the clutch defined Europe’s dominant stretch.

Graeme McDowell (2008, 2010, 2012, 2014)
Graeme McDowell’s four Ryder Cups (8-5-2, .533 winning percentage) shone brightest in 2014 at Gleneagles, where his 3-0-0 record, including a singles win over Jordan Spieth, helped secure Europe’s 16.5-11.5 victory. In 2008, he was 2-1-1; in 2012, 1-3-0. McDowell’s grit made him a European anchor.

Ian Poulter (2004, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2021)
Ian Poulter, the “Postman,” delivered a 15-8-2 record (.640 winning percentage) across seven Ryder Cups. His 4-0-0 performance in 2012, including a four-ball rally with Rory McIlroy, sparked the Medinah miracle. In 2008, he went 4-1-0, and in 2010, 3-1-0, earning a reputation for clutch play. His 2018 (2-2-0) and 2021 (vice-captain) roles were quieter, but his leadership reflects his Ryder Cup fire.

Jon Rahm (2018, 2021, 2023)
Jon Rahm’s three Ryder Cups (6-3-3, .500 winning percentage) mark him as a modern European titan. In 2018, he went 1-2-0, but in 2021, his 3-1-1 record included three victories with his countrymen Sergio Garcia. In 2023, Rahm’s 2-0-2 effort, including a halved match with Scottie Scheffler, helped Europe reclaim the cup at Marco Simone. His Legion XIII captaincy, winning the 2025 LIV Golf Team Championship last week, mirrors his Ryder Cup prowess.

Henrik Stenson (2006, 2008, 2014, 2016, 2018)
Henrik Stenson’s five Ryder Cups (10-7-2, .526 winning percentage) include a 3-1-0 effort in 2014 and 3-0-0 in 2018, both European wins. His 2006 debut (1-1-1) and 2008 (1-2-1) were solid, too. Stenson is the obvious replacement for Luke Donald, as long as the brighter minds in the room have a say.

Lee Westwood (1997, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2021)
Lee Westwood’s 11 Ryder Cup appearances (21-20-6, .511 winning percentage) is one behind Mickelson’s record, with 47 matches played; he is the definition of stalwart. His 4-0-1 record in 2004 and 3-0-2 in 2006 were peaks. Westwood’s consistency made him a European mainstay, contributing to seven Ryder Cup victories.

LIV Golf’s Indelible Mark on Ryder Cup History

As the Ryder Cup’s modern era unfolded over the past 25 years, LIV Golf players have been its beating heart, crafting moments that echo through golf’s annals. Sergio Garcia’s 28.5 points redefined European excellence, Phil Mickelson’s 12 appearances anchored America’s resolve, and Dustin Johnson’s 2021 perfection shifted the tide. From Ian Poulter’s Medinah heroics to Jon Rahm’s clutch halves in 2023, from Brooks Koepka’s 2016 dominance to Martin Kaymer’s title-clinching putt in 2012, LIV’s stars have authored the event’s defining chapters. Yet, legacy golf media, often swayed by narratives tied to traditional tours, has sought to sideline LIV’s contributions, questioning their players' legacies while submitting to the outdated OWGR system. This revisionism falters against the weight of history.

No amount of media noise can erase Garcia’s points record, Mickelson’s longevity, or the electric showdowns delivered by Reed, Rahm, and Poulter. The Ryder Cup’s story is incomplete without LIV Golf—its echoes of triumph and tenacity drown out the naysayers, resounding in every putt, roar, and miracle.

Data sourced from Official Ryder Cup and DataGolf