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The Junior Ryder Cup Matches are a biennial team match-play event between Europe and the United States and was originated to encourage friendship, the exchange of cultures and to enhance the enjoyment of golf. The Junior Ryder Cup Match is maturing into an integral and important part of the whole Ryder Cup experience.
In its brief history, the Junior Ryder Cup Matches have already seen some of its young stars go on to make their mark on the golf world. The inaugural Junior Match in 1995 featured the 15 year-old Sergio Garcia leading a winning European squad and since then both teams have included several budding champions including David Gossett, Beth Bauer, David Porter, Nicolas Colsaerts, Suzann Pettersen and most recently Ty Tryon.
Europe is currently leading the series 2-1
1995 Winners: Europe (Exhibition match) played in Rochester, USA
1997 Winners: United States (7-5) played at San Roque & Alcaidesa Links, Spain
1999 Winners: Europe (10½-1½) played at Cape Cod, USA
The Match is patronised and supported by the Ryder Cup Committee, European Golf Association, European Tour, PGA of Great Britain & Ireland and the PGA of America.
MATCH FORMAT
Each team consists of 12 players - four boys and four girls under 16 and two girls and two boys under 18. The Matches are held over two days – Tuesday 24th September being a boys vs. boys and girls vs. girls four-ball match format while Wednesday 25th September is played as a mixed four-ball format.
The event is preceded by an Opening Ceremony on Monday 23rd September and concluded by a Closing Ceremony at the end of play on Wednesday 25th September.
The teams will then travel to Birmingham to attend the 34th Ryder Cup Matches at The Belfry.
THE VENUE
The Junior Ryder Cup Match will be played on the superb Arnold Palmer designed course at the K-Club, Ireland. Set in the midst of the 350 acre estate of Straffan House, the history of which can be traced back to the Anglo-Norman invasion in 550 AD, the K-Club has hosted the PGA Cup, the Smurfit Irish Professional Championship, the Smurfit European Open and in 2006, it will host The 36th Ryder Cup Matches.
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