Ryder Cup trophy: height, weight, material and size

In the world of sport, champions are normally handed a piece of careful shaped metal to acknowledge their efforts. There are big trophies, there are little trophies, and some of them are truly iconic, recognised by just its silhouette.

In the illustrious world of golf, where history is written with every swing and each putt holds the promise of glory, the Ryder Cup trophy stands out as an emblem of its very particular prestige. The gritty contest between the elite talents of Europe and the United States is mammoth, but despite its name resounding through the annals of golfing lore, the trophy itself is far from imposing. But there are some details that often elude the casual observer. Let’s take a look...

How big is the Ryder Cup trophy?

Standing at a modest 17 inches (c.43 cm) in height, with a width of a mere nine inches (c.23 cm) from the end of each handle, and a weight of approximately four pounds (c.1.8 kg), the Ryder Cup trophy may surprise those expecting a grandiose and imposing symbol of victory. It certainly doesn’t have a sense of imposter syndrome, unlike other trophies, (looking at you Stanley!) It actually shares a similar stature with the famous FIFA World Cup trophy, proving that in the world of sports, size does not necessarily equate to significance.

Remarkably, this revered trophy, which has witnessed the greatest golfing talents of our era in amazing settings and atmospheres, came into existence at a relatively modest cost. Crafting this masterpiece set its founder Samuel Ryder, a seed merchant, back a sum of approximately $400 during its inception, which is over $20,000 in today’s money. Ask any player who has battled for it, though, and they’d tell you it was priceless.

Who is the golfer on top of the Ryder Cup trophy?

I know what you’re thinking. Surely that’s Sam Ryder sitting atop his own trophy, right? Well, no.

It’s actually styled on one of the top Golfers from the 1920s, Abe Mitchell. He appeared himself in the comPetition three times and ended with a 4-2-0 record. He went on to befriend and then mentor Ryder in the Game, and thanks to that has a place in the History books... and in many a trivia quiz.

Who keeps the Ryder Cup trophy?

Intriguingly, ownership of the original Ryder Cup trophy rests with the Professional Golfers Association of Great Britain and Ireland, a custodianship entrusted to them by the trophy’s namesake, Ryder himself. This iconic relic of Golf’s finest team event finds its sanctuary at the association’s headquarters, The Belfry’s Hunters Lodge.

It’s worth noting that the winning Ryder Cup team does not bear the honour of raising the original aloft at the end of the three days. Instead, an identical replica exclusively crafted for the PGA of America is handed over. So while the victorious team and supporting cast bask in the glory of their triumph, the original Ryder Cup trophy remains untouched, a silent observer of their jubilation.

There’s also another replica trophy reserved for promotional appearances. This doppelgänger gets an invite to all sorts of events, and serves as a symbol of the trophy’s iconic status, captivating the hearts and imaginations of golfing enthusiasts young and old around the world.