1931 Ryder Cup - Teams

Teams

Team USA
  • Walter Hagen — Captain
  • Gene Sarazen
  • Leo Diegel
  • Billy Burke
  • Johnny Farrell
  • Denny Shute
  • Al Espinosa
  • Wiffy Cox
  • Craig Wood
Team Great Britain
  • Charles Whitcombe — Captain
  • Archie Compston
  • George Duncan
  • Abe Mitchell
  • Syd Easterbrook
  • William Davies
  • Arthur Havers
  • Fred Robson
  • Ernest Whitcombe
  • Bert Hodson

Prior to the match, there was some controversy about the qualification rules for the Great Britain team. In 1927 and 1929 the American PGA had decided to only select American born and resident players but the original Ryder Cup Deed of Trust made no such provision. All members of the Professional Golfers' Association were eligible. In late 1929 the Deed of Trust was revised requiring players to be born in and resident in their respective countries. This rule disqualified Percy Alliss and Aubrey Boomer, two of Great Britain's best players, as they had both taken jobs as club professionals in mainland Europe.

In early 1931, it was announced that a selection committee of five would choose the Great Britain team for the 1931 Ryder Cup. This committee consisted of G. Oke, Charles Whitcombe, C.H. Corlett, W.R. Wheildon and A. Haskins. Charles Whitcombe was announced as the captain. An initial squad of 24 was announced.

Henry Cotton objected to a team rule requiring all players to travel out together and return together. Cotton wished to remain in the United States after the match. As a consequence Cotton was withdrawn from the squad.

Four trial matches were played in which the new American sized ball was used, and in early May a further six players were selected: Compston, Davies, Jolly, Mitchell, Robson and Ernest Whitcombe. Duncan and Easterbrook were later added and in early June Hodson was the final selection. At the same time Herbert Jolly withdrew because of lack of form and was replaced by Havers.

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