The 20 Greatest Ryder Cup Players of All Time – Ranked by Points Won

October 1, 2025 Kris Isaksen

From dramatic duels to decade-spanning dominance, the Ryder Cup has been shaped by a cast of legends. Based on total points won, here’s a countdown of the top 20 players who left the biggest mark on golf’s most iconic team event—starting from No. 20 and climbing to the all-time leader.

20. Davis Love III – 11 Points

Davis Love III was a consistent presence for Team USA across six Ryder Cups, contributing solidly in both foursomes and fourballs. His calm demeanor and tactical mind also led him to captain the U.S. side in 2012 and 2016.

19. Darren Clarke – 11 Points

Clarke played with grit and flair for Europe, featuring in five Ryder Cups and helping to deliver three victories. His strong chemistry with Lee Westwood early in his career made him a key figure in Europe’s late-90s dominance.

18. Jim Furyk – 12 Points

Furyk brought precision and patience to Team USA in nine Ryder Cups. While his overall record was mixed, his steady hand often helped stabilize American pairings during high-pressure moments.

17. Dustin Johnson – 12 Points

Johnson's explosive game translated well to match play, particularly in the 2021 Ryder Cup where he went undefeated. With a composed attitude and elite ball-striking, DJ proved a valuable asset across multiple editions.

16. Tommy Fleetwood – 12 Points

Fleetwood made a stunning Ryder Cup debut in 2018, going 4-0 alongside Francesco Molinari in one of the event's most dominant pairings. His energy and charisma quickly made him a fan favorite and a rising European star.

15. Tiger Woods – 12.5 Points

Tiger Woods may be one of golf's greatest, but his Ryder Cup record tells a different story. In eight appearances, he managed just one win, with partnerships often faltering despite his individual brilliance.

14. Ian Poulter – 16 Points

Few players embrace the Ryder Cup spirit like Poulter, whose fiery presence lifted Europe time and time again. Known for his incredible clutch performances, he became a symbol of European resilience.

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13. Ian Woosnam – 16.5 Points

Woosnam’s power and passion helped fuel Europe’s rise in the ‘80s and ‘90s. A dependable performer, he often delivered in both team and singles matches, and later captained Europe to victory in 2006.

12. Tom Kite – 17 Points

Tom Kite was a stalwart for Team USA in the ‘70s and ‘80s, known for his steady play and thoughtful course management. He later led the U.S. team as captain in 1997 during their trip to Valderrama.

11. Justin Rose – 17.5 Points

Rose brought class and consistency to every Ryder Cup he played, with memorable performances like his clutch putt in 2012’s Miracle at Medinah. His balanced skill set made him a threat in every format.

10. Lanny Wadkins – 18.5 Points

Wadkins was a fixture in Team USA’s lineup for over a decade, competing in eight Ryder Cups. A strong foursomes player, he helped the U.S. to four wins and captained the squad in 1995.

9. Jose Maria Olazabal – 20.5 Points

José María Olazábal — By Pvt pauline - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7594881

Olazabal's partnership with Seve Ballesteros became one of the most iconic duos in Ryder Cup history. A fierce competitor and later a winning captain in 2012, his impact extended far beyond his playing days.

8. Phil Mickelson – 21.5 Points

Mickelson appeared in a record 12 Ryder Cups for the U.S., racking up points through sheer longevity. While his win percentage was low, his leadership and dedication remained strong throughout.

7. Rory McIlroy – 21.5 Points

McIlroy has been a cornerstone of Team Europe since 2010, with his all-around game and leadership shining through. His recent success with Shane Lowry in 2025 shows he’s still a vital piece for Europe.

6. Nick Faldo – 22 Points

Faldo, one of Europe’s most decorated players, participated in 11 Ryder Cups and never shied away from pressure. He combined surgical precision with fierce determination, winning the Cup four times.

5. Seve Ballesteros – 22.5 Points

Ballesteros helped redefine the Ryder Cup, especially by bringing continental Europe into the fold. His creative play and emotional leadership—both as a player and captain—made him a beloved icon of the event.

4. Colin Montgomerie – 23.5 Points

Montgomerie never lost a singles match across his eight Ryder Cups and often thrived under pressure. With five team wins and a 65.7% point conversion rate, he was as dependable as they come.

3. Lee Westwood – 24 Points

Westwood competed in 11 Ryder Cups, spanning more than two decades, and was part of seven winning teams. He formed strong partnerships across generations and was a reliable presence throughout.

2. Bernhard Langer – 24 Points

Langer’s blend of discipline and consistency made him a key figure for Europe over ten appearances. Despite a heartbreaking miss in 1991, his five wins and strategic mind defined his Ryder Cup legacy.

1. Sergio Garcia – 28.5 Points

Garcia leads all players in Ryder Cup points and wins, having thrived across multiple eras. His fearless debut at 19 set the tone for a career filled with iconic moments, unforgettable partnerships, and unmatched contributions to Team Europe.