Actual 2001/2002 Ryder Cup Trophy

        The Ryder Cup is certainly one of the most iconic trophies in golf, if not all of sport. Nothing embodies the spirit of international competition quite like this great, understated trophy. Several original Ryder Cup trophies exist. Most well-known are the two full-sized Ryder Cup trophies that are owned (or rather, shared) by the Royal & Ancient and the PGA of America. The first Ryder Cup was produced in 1927 and is reportedly resting in a vault in England. That Ryder Cup was replicated in full-size duplicate, which is the one traded between the R&A and the PGA of America, depending on whether Europe or the United States is the reigning Ryder Cup champion.

        In addition to those two trophies, a handful of other Ryder Cup trophies exist. All such trophies are believed to be in the possession of either museums, courses that have hosted the Ryder Cup Matches, and Ryder Cup team members/officials. Among other places, Ryder Cup Trophies are currently in the possession of the World Golf Hall of Fame, the British Golf Museum, the USGA Museum, and the Brandenburg Historical Golf Museum.

        Presented here is an actual "Player's" trophy that was presented to the 2001/2002 American Ryder Cup team as well as the Captain, Co-Captain and some officials. Specifically, this Ryder Cup Trophy for auction was given to former PGA President Will Mann. Mann's name is engraved on a silver band at the base of this great trophy along with engraved signatures of the American Ryder Cup team members and officials.

        The historic sale of a Ryder Cup Trophy in our April 2010 Golf Auction (the first time a Ryder Cup Trophy has ever been sold publicly) led to some incredible publicity and one unintended (but very fortunate) consequence - the owner of this Ryder Cup trophy decided it would be better off with a collector that would truly appreciate it. It took decades for any Ryder Cup trophy to become available. After this auction, it is impossible to know how many more years it will take for another trophy to be sold publicly.