The Christian faith of the Ryder Cup founder

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As the world’s top golfers gather in Rome for the start of the Ryder Cup, few may know that the British golfer, Samuel Ryder, who founded the tournament had a strong Christian faith. Rev Peter Crumpler explains

Millions of golf fans will watch the world-famous competition now played between teams from the United States and Europe, unaware that the idea began with a Hertfordshire seed merchant wanting to improve his fitness.

Samuel Ryder, who gave his name to the event, is buried in the cemetery just across from the church in St Albans where I minister. He died in 1936, aged 77.