As the United States hosted Europe in the 41stedition of The Ryder Cup, a strong contingent of former European Challenge Tour players teed it up at Hazeltine National in one of the most heated contests between the two sides.
Coming into the October showdown the pressure was on Davis Love III and his chosen 12, after the Europeans had won six of the last seven contests.
Just as in 2014, when they were all members of the victorious European side, seven Challenge Tour alumni were part of golf’s greatest team event.
But in 2016 only six were representing Europe as, for the first time in history, a former Challenge Tour player was teeing it up for the United States - 2013 graduate Brooks Koepka.
Arriving in Minnesota after a remarkable season was Henrik Stenson, who had already gone toe to toe with an American at The Open Championship – where the Swede got the better of Phil Mickelson to become the first Scandinavian male to win a Major.
The 2000 Challenge Tour Number One was making his fourth appearance in the biennial competition, as was his regular Ryder Cup playing partner Justin Rose – who featured on Europe’s top developmental tour in 1999.
The Olympic gold medallist was paired alongside Stenson once again on the first morning in Minnesota, where they took on the formidable pairing of Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed.
After losing their 100% record in the morning foursomes, where the United States swept the opening session for the first time since 1975, the experienced duo rallied to beat Reed and Spieth in the afternoon fourballs.
Both would go on to play every session, adding one further point each to Europe’s tally.
Another Ryder Cup veteran selected by Captain Darren Clarke was two-time Major winner Martin Kaymer.
The 2006 graduate travelled across the Atlantic with fond memories after sinking the winning putt four years ago in Medinah, capping off one of the most remarkable comebacks in sporting history.
Unfortunately, there would be no repeat heroics for the three-time Ryder Cup winner this year, with the German’s sole highlight a single point earned on the final afternoon after he overcame Matt Kuchar in the singles.
Three more former Challenge Tour stars made their rookie appearances for Europe this year, with Rafa Cabrera Bello – a graduate in 2006 and 2008 – and Matthew Fitzpatrick, who was playing on the Challenge Tour just two years ago, automatic qualifiers.
Thomas Pieters, who spent part of the 2013 season in Challenge Tour ranks, made an unarguable case for a wildcard pick with three weeks of incredible golf. The Belgian secured his third European Tour title at the Made In Denmark, the final event before selection was finalised, on the back of coming second at the D+D Czech Masters and fourth at the Olympics.
The 24 year old carried on his red hot form in north America, showing remarkable steel and composure to bounce back from an opening-session loss and become the only European rookie in history to win four points.
Such was the impressive nature of his performance that Rory McIlroy, who he joined forces with to win on three occasions at Hazeltine, said Pieters will be “his partner for the next 20 years”.
Also catching the eye on his Ryder Cup debut was Cabrera Bello. The 32 year old formed a formidable partnership with his fellow countryman Sergio Garcia, beating J.B. Holmes and Ryan Moore in their first outing together.
After battling back to halve against the accomplished Reed and Spieth, the Spaniard would beat US PGA Championship winner Jimmy Walker in the singles, earning two and a half points during a respectable debut.
Also part of Team Europe in 2016 were Ryder Cup greats Ian Poulter and Thomas Bjørn. Poulter, a Challenge Tour winner in 1999, made his first appearance as a Vice-Captain, while 1995 Challenge Tour Number One Bjørn tasted his first defeat after six Ryder Cup appearances – three as a player and three as a Vice-Captain.
Despite Europe losing out 17-11 to the United States, a former Challenge Tour player was on the winning side in Minnesota. Koepka, also making his rookie appearance, picked up three points in four appearances and showed he has the ability to be a key part of the American side for years to come.
