Golf News: - Posted 7th October 1997

Ryder Cup damaged in Europe's victory celebrations

London - The European Ryder Cup team has damaged the Ryder Cup in their victory celebrations over America.

The now priceless gold trophy that was purchased in 1927 for £200 and given to the PGA by Sam Ryder was dented and stained with it's base hanging off.

An engraver at the Birmingham jewellers repairing it said: "The word is that it was dropped at the post-match party. "We are talking about a bill of a few hundred pounds."

The foot-high gold cup went from hand to hand as Europe's stars celebrated their nerve-tingling win at Valderama, Spain. Jubilant fans, including Prince Andrew, joined in the party.

Instead of being sent to its usual home in a bank vault, the cup was transported by Securicor to the Birmingham repairers.

PGA spokesman Mike Gray admitted: "The cup was damaged during the celebrations. We are not saying a golfer dropped it, but the base was coming away and a dent needed repairing."