Gleneagles hosted the first transatlantic encounter

In 1926, St Albans seed merchant Samuel Ryder visited Wentworth for a pre-Open qualifying tournament and was dismayed to see American and British golfers standing apart from each other.

In an attempt to inject a touch of friendly rivalry, he set up a competition between the two factions.

A prize fund of �5 for the winning team was put forward, along with a champagne and chicken sandwich buffet for after the match.

The Britons won easily by 13�-1�, though Scotland's George Duncan was still moved to suggest he make it a regular event - and the Ryder Cup was born.

Ryder - a keen golfer - had hired his own golf professional to teach him and he honoured his mentor Abe Mitchell by insisting that it be his figure that adorned the top of the Ryder Cup.

The first tournament was not recognised as official because the US team was not representative.

The players were chosen by Walter Hagen, who was captain in the first six Ryder Cup matches.

Four out of 10 were expatriate Brits and one was Australian, such were the 'Americans' at his disposal.

In 1927, the first official Ryder Cup match took place.