Ahead of the start of the upcoming 2023 Ryder Cup on Friday, September 29, the St Albans community is celebrating its connection to the prestigious competition.
Samuel Ryder was an English businessman, entrepreneur, golf enthusiast and golf promoter, who moved to St Albans in the late 1800s. He had strong connections with the churches in the area and became Mayor of St Albans in 1905.
But what he is best known for is creating the now world-renowned Ryder Cup. An informal 1926 match held at Wentworth Club between teams of professionals from Great Britain and the USA became the first official match for the Ryder Cup at Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts.
St Albans Museums and St Albans Tour Guides will be celebrating Samuel at St Albans Museum + Gallery in the Assembly Room, where Ryder presided over council meetings as mayor.
The community is also being encouraged to visit Verulam Golf Club, where the club houses incredible memorabilia including menus from the time Samuel played at the club.
Paul Keen, general manager at Verulam Golf Club, said: “It is a privilege to be the club where the idea of Ryder Club was devised, the iconic trophy was commissioned and where the visionary Samuel Ryder was a member.
“Ryder created one of the most competitive sporting events in the world and visitors to our clubhouse can enjoy displays of unique golfing memorabilia honouring Ryder and the history of the sport.”
To find out more, head to www.verulamgolf.co.uk and www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk
Photo credit: Verulam Golf Club
0 Comments