Ryder Cup – pass notes No 3,257  The history of the
international golf tournament – and how a British seed-packet
magnate played his part Members of Team Europe hold the Ryder
Cup Members of Team Europe hold the Ryder Cup after sealing
victory on the final day of the 2012 tournament. Photograph:
Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images  Age: 85.  Appearance: Once
every two years.  What is it? A nail-biting international golf
tournament, held this year in Medinah, Illinois.  A golf
tournament? Nail-biting? I'd rather watch my nails grow. I know
where you're coming from, but the Ryder Cup is different.  How?
Well there are two teams, America and Europe, with 12 golfers
each competing over three days. They start with foursomes
matches, where team pairs take alternate shots using the same
ball. Then they move to fourball, where each player has his own
ball ...  I'm going to stop you there. That sounds boring and
stupid. This year America moved into the final day – the singles
matches – comfortably ahead, 10 points to