As the 45th Ryder Cup teed off in Farmingdale, New York, many golfers and fans might be surprised to learn that Samuel Ryder, the man behind the legendary golf tournament, was more devoted to his Christian faith than the sport itself.
A recent letter published in the Herts Advertiser by a relative sheds light on Ryder’s true passions. It states, “Samuel enjoyed golf and the company of the clubhouse. But his meaning in life centred on Trinity Church, St Albans, his position as Magistrate, and his great interest in his company, Heath & Heather and the welfare of his workforce. This was far more important to him.”
Millions globally now tune in to watch this prestigious event, which pits teams from the United States against Europe at the Bethpage Black Course. Yet, few are aware that it all began with a middle-aged seed merchant from Hertfordshire aiming to boost his fitness.
The man behind the tournament, Samuel Ryder, lies in rest at Hatfield Road cemetery, near the church he cherished in St Albans, north of London. His grave, often adorned with golf balls left by admirers, bears the inscription: “His body to the pleasant country’s earth and his pure soul unto his captain Christ under whose colours he had fought so long.”
Ryder, known for pioneering the ‘penny packet’ seed sales, took up golf in his fifties. Heeding advice from a church friend for health reasons, he quickly excelled, taking lessons daily except Sundays, and eventually captaining the local golf club.
His enthusiasm for the game led him to propose an international challenge between the United States and Great Britain & Ireland, leading to the first Ryder Cup in 1927 in Worcester, Massachusetts. The U.S. claimed victory in that inaugural match, while the British triumphed in Leeds during the second event.
Ryder’s funeral in 1936 was a significant civic event in St Albans, marking the first such occasion in an independent church rather than the city’s Anglican Cathedral. His daughter Marjorie placed his cherished five iron club in his coffin.
Raised as a Wesleyan Methodist, Ryder was deeply involved with the Independent Chapel in St Albans, serving as an elder and supporting its expansion into the larger Trinity Church. His philanthropic spirit was evident in his civic contributions, including his tenure as Mayor of St Albans in 1905.
In St Albans, Ryder’s legacy is commemorated through a school, a hotel, and various historical tours. However, his most enduring impact remains the Ryder Cup, a tournament now celebrated for its “drama, tension, incredible golf, camaraderie and sportsmanship,” according to the organizers.
Today, the event is hailed as one of the most exciting and competitive in the world, staying true to the spirit of its founder, Samuel Ryder.
Rev Peter Crumpler is a Church of England minister in St Albans, Herts, UK, and a former communications director with the CofE.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
