The comeback kid

Not long ago, JJ Spaun was considering giving up professional golf. Now, he’s a Major Champion set to make a Ryder Cup debut at 35 years of age

JACK NICKLAUS

Justin Rose has long been the heartbeat of Europe’s Ryder Cup team. Now he’s preparing for a final shot at glory as a player before interviewing for the top job at Adare Manor in two years’ time

For most of the 58 years prior to the 1985 Ryder Cup, the event had been an overwhelmingly one-sided affair. But three days at The Belfry that September changed the momentum of the event forever

Rory McIlroy is Europe’s top-ranked player heading into the Ryder Cup. Can he be a talisman once again, and has he now established himself as the best male player the continent has ever produced?

RICHARD BLAND