While there have been so many legendary figures in Ryder Cup history, only a handful of players have ever featured in every single session at an event and won all five matches.
Of course, the Ryder Cup has evolved considerably since the early days when the two teams played for just 12 points. Eventually, Great Britain evolved into Europe, while the format has remained consistent since 1981 – barring 2010 when the weather got the better of Celtic Manor.
Just five players have ever emerged from the Ryder Cup with five points from five matches, with both Arnold Palmer and Gardner Dickinson winning all five of their matches in 1967 as USA strolled to a 23.5-8.5 win in Texas.
But the only slight asterisk against the pair’s amazing achievement was the fact that there were six sessions, with Palmer playing two singles matches in Houston. They were also playing before their opponents included the entirety of Europe.
Therefore, just three players have won five points from an absolute maximum of five in Ryder Cup history since the event became USA versus Europe.
The players to win five points from five at the Ryder Cup
1979 – Larry Nelson
Larry Nelson boasted a remarkable record of winning the first nine matches he had played in his Ryder Cup career, including all five he played in 1979 as USA beat Europe 17-11.
He formed a formidable partnership with Lanny Wadkins. And he went on to beat Seve Ballesteros in the Sunday singles.
2018 – Francesco Molinari
Like Nelson, Francesco Molinari was part of an outstanding partnership for the first two days at the 2018 Ryder Cup. Few would have seen just how impressive Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood would prove to be.
The pair clinched a crucial point for Europe on Friday morning as USA won three of the four matches. Fleetwood was the Wadkins of the partnership as he was beaten by Tony Finau in the Sunday singles. But Molinari beat Phil Mickelson to earn Europe the point which won the Samuel Ryder trophy for Thomas Bjorn’s side.
2021 – Dustin Johnson
Had you not been sure, you probably could have named four or five American players who may have won five points from five at Whistling Straits as USA won by a record margin.
As it was, Dustin Johnson was the player to win all five matches. He formed a superb partnership with Collin Morikawa in Wisconsin, while he also played alongside Xander Schauffele. Johnson would beat Paul Casey in the singles to add insult to injury with Europe already well beaten by that time.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
