ABSTRACT
Performance statistics and stroke averages for the American and European PGA Tours over the 1980–1993 period have been analysed in an attempt to explain recent results in the Ryder Cup matches. Within Tour improvements (P<0.05) have been found in four out of the five performance categories for both groups; Greens in Regulation (GIR) for the Americans and Driving Accuracy (DA) for the Europeans were the exceptions. Between Tour analysis showed that in 1985 the American Tour golfers were better in all categories except bunker play (Sand Saves—SS), but by 1993 they were superior in (DA) and putting (PPR) only and the Europeans were significantly better out of bunkers. The ultimate indicator, the average number of strokes each round (SPR), revealed significant (P<0. 001) within Tour improvements for both groups since 1980; between Tour analysis showed the Americans were superior in 1980 and 1993 (P<0.001). Analysis of the SPR for the actual Ryder Cup teams showed a significant drop in this indicator by the American teams of 1983 and 1985. However, there were no significant differences between the two sides in 1983, 1985 and 1987 during which time the Europeans won twice. Since 1989 the Americans have established over 0.5 SPR advantage (P<0.05) in the last three matches; they have tied one and won the other two.
