2004 Ryder Cup: 2004 Ryder Cup Information

Sam was sent to Owen's College in Manchester (now Manchester University). Sam did not complete the course for some reason.

It was only by chance that Ryder ever became interested or involved in golf. He had played cricket in his younger days, being a spin bowler. and living near the Old Trafford Manchester ground. After arriving in St Albans in 1895, sport took no further part in his life as he launched his penny packets plant seeds business and became totally involved in the life of the city.

At the age of 50, he had a breakdown in health, from which he was slow to recover, and it was then that his Trinity Church Minister and friend, the Rev. Frank Wheeler, suggested a remedy. 'What you need is fresh air and exercise come out with me on the golf course and hit a few balls.'

It was with little enthusiasm that he agreed but with a golf club in his hands for the first time, immediately took to the game. With that unlikely scenario, the Ryder Cup story was born.

It was 1908 when Ryder stepped on to the nine-hole layout at Cunningham Fields. This was over the road from the Verulam Club, which he was to join just over a year later. In 1911, having proved his ability as a player and become a respected member of the Club, was appointed Captain.

An indication of his playing ability is given in a Club report of April 1920 which reads:

'Ryder (9) playing Birtwistle (12) and conceding two strokes accomplished the following star performance:

At the 8th (stroke hole) foozled his drive and lay about 40 yards on the tee side of the pit. Holed out in 3.

At the next hole, playing his second, was trapped in the left-hand bunker guarding the 9th. Holed out in 4.

At the 14th (stroke hole) after a fairly decent tee shot found his ball lying very badly in a sort of cart rut but holed in 3.

At the 16th, when one up, his long third was trapped in the cross bunkers, but holed in 5'

What Birtwistle thought of an opponent who holed out in three on two stroke holes, having been in trouble on both, is not recorded!

In the mid-1920s Ryder became a regular visitor to Stratford-on-Avon, taking his family there for the Shakespeare Festivals and in the daytime sought out the local golf club, becoming a popular figure there and soon welcomed as an honorary member.

The Stratford-on-Avon Club had moved to a new course and it was typical of Ryder that for the official opening of the club in April 1928 he arranged for his favourite professionals to play exhibition matches. Ryder himself was given the honour of driving off to start the matches, watched by a big crowd.

Ryder was elected captain of Stratford-on-Avon club in 1929 and 1930 and, on relinquishing the captaincy, was elected a vice president.

Verulam members had honoured him by electing him their first Vice-President.

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