The Ryder Cup is one of the world's most prestigious sporting events. Fiercely fought every two years, it uniquely pits teams from two golfing giants - Europe and the USA - against each other in a sport that is more usually associated with individual play.

But this is no exhibition match - nothing short of glory and national pride is at stake. The best players from both sides of the Atlantic fight for a place on their respective teams and team captaincy is a major responsibility. The TV coverage and audience expectation that goes with each Ryder Cup propels the event onto the front pages of the world's press, creates unrivalled excitement for spectators and fever-pitch pressure for the world's best players.

This beautifully illustrated new book tells the full story of this great tournament, from its beginnings in 1927 when Great Britain played the USA for a trophy provided by seed merchant Samuel Ryder, to the post-war dominance of the US team, to the introduction of European golfers into the GB and Ireland team in the late 1970s, to the titanic, see-saw struggles of the modern day. It looks at each of the Ryder Cups, and features the great players, pairings, captains and courses along the way.

A book for sports fans everywhere, The Ryder Cup is the definitive official history chronicling the excitement and prestige of this global sporting event.