The Cup They Couldn't Lose: America, the Ryder Cup, and the Long Road to Whistling Straits

by Shane Ryan

The definitive story of the Ryder Cup—the event that pits the best golfers from America against the best from Europe—exploring the modern history of the tournament that led to the showdown at Whistling Straits in 2021. The task facing Steve Stricker at the 2021 Ryder Cup was enormous. It was his job, as the American captain, to stare down almost 40 years of Ryder Cup history, break a pattern of home losses that had persisted almost as long, and reverse the tide of European dominance in one of golf's most tense and emotional events. This was the epitome of a must-win, but it was also something more—in the entire 93-year history of the event, no American side had ever faced this kind of pressure. Starting on the morning of September 24, those 12 players competed not just for a Cup, or for pride, but to save the reputation of the U.S. team itself.

The great mystery of the Ryder Cup is that America loses despite having superior individual talent. The European renaissance began in the 1980s, led by the brilliant Tony Jacklin and Seve Ballesteros, and since then, the U.S. has suffered a slew of embarrassing defeats abroad and at home. The signs in 2021 weren’t Tiger Woods was out after his horrific car crash, Patrick Reed (“Captain America,” to his supporters) was hospitalized with double pneumonia weeks before the event, and America had to rely on its rising stars—including Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka, who spent most of the year immersed in an escalating feud—to prove their mettle. Meanwhile, the European team had a few major stars of its own, like Jon Rahm, the world no. 1 and the first Spanish player ever to win the U.S. Open, and Rory McIlroy, the four-time major winner. Throw in the complications of a global pandemic, and the stage was set for one of the strangest Ryder Cups ever.

Following the drama in Wisconsin while deconstructing the rich history of the tournament, The Cup They Couldn't Lose tells the story of how the U.S. defeated Europe in record fashion, restored their status as golf’s global superpower, and transformed their entire way of thinking in order to truly understand the nature of the Ryder Cup.**The Sports Librarian’s Best of 2022 – Sports Books**

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2022

Reviews

[John Matney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful and inspiring

Mr Ryan avoided the common pitfall of assigning one team as being led by a genius triumphing over a collection of egotistical buffoons. Instead he provides a detailed and nuanced depiction of the Ryder Cup competitions leading up to and including Whistling Straits. I highly recommend this book.

[Jeffrey Saether · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a golf nut, pick up this book. If you’re not, you could probably pass on it. I loved learning more about the Ryder Cup, especially since it was about 2021 in Wisconsin. The book brings back the golf itch in me and makes me wish there wasn’t snow outside and it was 50+ degrees. Steve Stricker is such a humble leader and it was fun to learn about the history of the Ryder Cup. I’m interested in reading another one of Shane Ryan’s books “Slaying the Tiger.” Again, overall great read and I very much enjoyed it.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2021 Ryder Cup was one of the most exciting sporting events I’ve ever watched, and this book does a fantastic job of capturing just how important it was for golf. Shane Ryan provides insightful analysis and behind-the-scenes details that I hadn’t heard before, making the stories of the players even more compelling. If you’re a golf fan who loves the spectacle of the Ryder Cup, this is a must-read.

[Peter St · Rating 5 out of 5]

94/100.
For golf nuts out there- you will love this book. It breaks down in crazy depth every decision that’s been made in the Ryder Cup’s history. I truly learned so much about the strategy behind the teams, and how much passion is put into the event. This book got me unbelievably excited to watch in a few weeks. The Ryder Cup has always been my favorite golf event as a fan, and the stories told in this book make me love it even more.

I have very fond memories of watching this Specific 2021 Ryder Cup with my roommates and absolutely LOVING the beat down that the USA laid on Europe. So much nerdy golf conversations and drama around it. At the time we were dealing with COVID, the Bryson-Brooks feud, Tigers car crash, Stricker leading the team as captain, etc. Reliving this event through this book was very fun for me.

[MARK OLSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes ambiguous book titles work---and sometimes they do not. Shane Ryan’s new golf book, The Cup They Couldn’t Lose, works. Subtitled “America, The Ryder Cup and the Long Road to Whistling Straits,” his book is a thorough treatment of the history of the Ryder Cup from its inception in 1927 up to the 2021 Cup matches on the shore of Lake Michigan at Whistling Straits. With stops along the way to describe the American domination of Great Britain in the period from 1935 to 1983, the addition of European players to the overseas team in 1979 and the gradual ascension of the Euros to the point that in the period from 1995 to 2014, they won the Cup eight of ten time, Ryan meticulously reports the facts of these contests and adds just the right touch of colorful commentary to bring the characters to life.
Ryan dissects the troubles the Americans had in that period when they could muster only two wins, both on American. Ryan’s analysis, although not new, is straightforward and convincing. Simply put, the American teams’ arrogance in taking the Europeans too lightly was a huge obstacle for them to overcome for them to regain a more even battlefield. Ryan points to the 2008 captain, Paul Azinger, and his willingness to listen to folks outside the “inner circle” as a step in the right direction for America to “right the ship”. He skillfully describes and analyzes Azinger’s use of the “pod system” that allowed the captains to better pair players who complemented each other’s games unlike Hal Sutton’s disastrous pairing of Tiger Woods and Phil Michelson in 2004 at Oakland Hills.
Using chapters alternating between the history of the Ryder Cup and the preparation and playing of the 2021 Cup, Ryan is able to keep the reader’s interest focused on a story line that is compelling. At the same time, he does not devote an inordinate amount of attention to some of the more famous Ryder Cup events—“The Concession” at Royal Birkdale in 1969 when Jack Nicklaus conceded a putt to Tony Jacklin for a tie; the “War by the Shore” in 1991 at Kiawah; the “Battle of Brookline” in 1999 and the famous come-from-behind victory by the US team; and the 2012 “Meltdown at Medinah and instead, keeps us focused on the “why is this happening” question.
On one level, the title suggests the pressure that was on the American team captained by Wisconsin native son, Steve Stricker, to bring home the coveted trophy. On another level, the title, if examined after Stricker completed picking his team, suggests that the Americans were a “lock” to win the Cup and that there was nothing---short of a monumental collapse—that could keep them from winning because they were the more talented team. The US team could not afford to lose the 2021 Ryder Cup, and as we all know, they did not!
Ryan’s book is on my bookshelf with many other enjoyable and informative golf history books. It is, by far, the best of the Ryder Cup volumes.

[Craig LeVasseur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I held off reading this book for awhile. I didn’t think I would enjoy reading about the 2021 Ryder Cup anymore. The lead up coverage to each cup is already so over saturated, the last thing I need is a blow by blow recap once it’s over. Surprisingly, the actual 2021 cup itself only occupies the last 5-10% of the book. The bulk of it is a history of the cup, with most of the focus on the span of 1983 to the present and the role of captains in each cup. Unsurprisingly, Shane appears to have gotten more access on the European side, and the stories of the rise of Team Europe really make the book. Paul McGinley, in particular, provides more insight than anyone else, which shouldn’t come as a surprise if you’ve even seen him on Live From. Just a really entertaining book, and helps you understand why and how the Ryder Cup got to where it is today-a completely Moneyballed out affair that features a home team blowout every two years.

[Carolyn Leshyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative book on the history of the Ryder Cup, including the American's who dominated early on followed by many European victories even though the Americans seemed to be more talented. Throughout the European dominance the Americans didn't take the Europeans seriously and thought they could "wing it" and still win. Paul Azinger, 2008, was successful in organizing the Americans into pods allowing more successful pairs. The following captains did not heed Azinger's skills or follow the analytics available to them and lost again and again. Finally, as the quiet, well-organized captain, Steve Stricker, became the 2021 captain at Whistling Straits, he took advantage of the pod system, analytics now available and a talent for developing team relationships, to win it all.

Recommended.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane Ryan has produced a phenomenal work that is part American redemption story and part history. His retelling of the lead up to the 2021 Ryder Cup is filled with colorful stories inside the ropes and takes you inside the minds of those at the helm of both teams. But it's the history that truly sings. Shane Ryan is not just a Ryder Cup nerd, but a true student of it's history. His historical reconstruction of the most consequential era of the Ryder Cup is propulsive and thorough. He reconstructs the character and events but keeps the narrative moving. For golf and Ryder Cup fans, this is a must read.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are an absolute fanatic about the Ryder Cup - - -which I must admit, I am - - -this book is definitely for you. Well researched and written, with an honest yet not unkind look at some of the more controversial players in the game, Ryan does a masterful job of exploring both the history of the Ryder Cup and the eternal question of "why?" the US team has had such a difficult time winning since 1985.

Highly recommended for rabid golf fans. For the rest of you, yeah, you can probably skip this one.

[David Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many books that start with a history of the Ryder Cup to tell the story of an individual year's Cup, but this is the best of the genre in the way that the history gets woven throughout the telling of the events leading up to and including the 2021 Cup. Ryan does an excellent job tieing everything together at the close of the book and his thesis about institutional knowledge is an excellent explanation of what has led to European dominance of the recent past. I am curious how this book will age, but it gives me a new lens through which to watch this week's Cup.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely well-written and entertaining book. Much more of the book than I expected tho was about the “long road” to Whistling Straits or the recent history of the Ryder Cup. Only about 20-25% is actually about Whistling Straits or the various players. Much more about the captains and systems that brought the teams together. Fascinating and good read nonetheless

[Matthew Fitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t get the hype of the other golf book released in May BUT this is the better book. Doesn’t look at just Whistling Straights but the last 40 years of the competition. Really enjoyed it and highly recommend.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top notch sports book, as well as a surprising deep dive on how to manage individuals and teams to greatness, and how to totally screw it up. How not to screw it up? One way is to not be insufferable jackasses like Sir Nick Faldo and Tom Watson.

[Thomas Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for golf literature fans. Well written, very well researched book about the recent history of the Ryder Cup. A very in-depth look at the behind the scenes decisions regarding who is playing when. I learned a lot.

[Matthew Stetz · Rating 4 out of 5]

30% about the Modern history of the Ryder cup, 30% background of the players, 20% on the 2021 pga season and the other 20% on the building of Whisling Straights and the actual Ryder Cup. It was a good read. Sergio Garcia hates Padrick Harrington and EVERYONE hates Patrick Reed.

[Adrian Mazzarolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great review of the history of the Ryder Cup, a great look into the strategies of each team and what made some win and others lose, and a great review of the most dominant performance in the Modern Era of the event. Excited for Rome this year!

Probably one of my favourite books if all time.

[Michelle Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! The author gives enough back history to have a more complete picture of the history of the Ryder Cup. But not so much that you’re confused as to where we’re at in the book. His writing style is awesome. This is a must read for anyone interested in learning the history of the Ryder Cup.

[Christopher DuMont · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book but did not spend much time on the Ryder Cup in Whistling Straits but more about everything that lead too it. It could have been much more about the actual event but that was not the author’s intent. Good book if you want to know about the Ryder Cup overall

[Duncan Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Gives great history on the Ryder Cup. The story of Tony Jacklin is fascinating. I’m an even bigger fan of Steve Stricker now, and this was the coming out party for current world #1…Scottie Scheffler

[Syon Bhanot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but felt a bit thin - feels like a topic that needs a longer book or book series. A few neat nuggets but a lot of stuff is less detailed than I had hoped.

[Kevin Kuntz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Shane Ryan and the book is fine but I probably knew too much about the topic.

[Tom Goyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

W behind the scenes look at the history and present day of the most underrated sporting event in the world.

[Timmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ryder Cup is the greatest event in sports and this just might be the greatest book published on the event. TREMENDOUS!

The Cup They Couldn't Lose.....Five Stars.

[Kieran Rooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome book on the history of the Ryder cup. Really interesting to see the ways the Europeans have gained and maintained their edge over the Americans over time. I read right before Ryder Cup 2023

[Sam Wimmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent golf book. Very in depth but lacked some fully thought out arguments

[Evan Kirby · Rating 3 out of 5]

The perfect example of American elitism, the production of this book. And then what happened in 2023?

[Josh Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know about the Ryder Cup but I didn’t really *know* about the Ryder Cup. This book helped with the latter. Super fun to read. 8/10

[Jamieson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wonder what happened at Marco Simone in 2023

[Mark Olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

Wit the exception of Steve Stricker, this book was a simple read recapping mostly what golf fans already knew from Golf Channel and/or prior books.

[John Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shane Ryan’s book is full of noteworthy information about the 2021 Ryder Cup and the history of the competition. He uses this information to support three theses:
1. Even though USA Ryder Cup teams had been superior (based on World Rankings) to European Ryder Cup teams, the Europeans had been winning with regularity for the past 40 years – which put a tremendous amount of pressure on the 2021 American team to begin to reverse the trend.
2. The management style and philosophy of Ryder Cup captains has a significant impact on the results.
3. It benefits the captains to minimize the use of pre-set criteria when selecting team players and use as many “captain’s picks" as possible.

As the title suggests, most of the book was devoted to the first thesis – which was the easiest to prove - and Mr. Ryan’s writing is effective in substantiating it.

He also makes decent arguments for the second and third theories, but they are not as convincing. Mr. Ryan presents some alternatives to these two theories – particularly in Chapter 14, which discusses seven theories of why the Europeans have been winning so consistently and concludes that the best theory is #7 – Europe has had better leadership. But there is validity to the alternative theories; so Ryan’s conclusions on the importance of management style and captain’s picks are not necessarily wrong, but they seem to be overemphasized.

The number of factual errors (nine of which are listed in the first comment below) weakens the book’s impact. These errors might not all be significant, but it is disappointing to see that the proof-reading was so weak. And it also makes readers wonder if Mr. Ryan made other errors in statements that were harder to verify.