How The Ryder Cup Began

Samuel Ryder was an avid English golfer as well as being a seed merchant. Upon hearing that the Americans were becoming contenders in the sport, Ryder reached out and asked the top American players to join the top English players in a tournament. Thus, the beginning of the Ryder Cup.

Read more at http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/25/sports/golf/roots-of-ryder-cup-golf-tournament-involve-seed-company.html