When the world soon watches the Ryder Cup (26th-28th September 2025) golf championship, few will stop to ask: Who was Samuel Ryder, and what inspired him to create this contest of giants?

The answer takes us not only to golf courses in Britain and America, but to the pews of a Congregational church in St Albans, England.

Samuel Ryder (1858–1936) was not a professional golfer. He was a successful seed merchant, a city councillor, and, above all, a devout Christian. For years he worshipped at Trinity Congregational Church, serving in church life and supporting Sunday school work. He even donated a trophy to a golf society made up of Free Church ministers, believing that sport could foster fellowship among those serving the Gospel.

Ryder took up golf in mid-life after a period of illness when a minister encouraged him to take fresh air. Golf soon became a passion. Yet for Ryder, golf was never merely a game. His convictions shaped his approach: he was known for avoiding Sunday play, emphasising fair competition, and using his business success to invest in others.

In the 1920s, Ryder began sponsoring matches between professionals from Britain and the United States. To give the contests permanence, he commissioned a golden trophy, the Ryder Cup, first contested in 1927. Even his contemporaries remembered him simply and beautifully as “the donor who made the match possible.”

Behind the spectacle was a man of faith who saw sport as a way to build bridges, inspire character, and bring people together for the betterment of all.

Today, as TICCN’s Sports Chaplains serve athletes and communities, and our ministers offer the hope of the Gospel, we stand in the same stream. Ryder’s Christian ethos, generosity, fellowship, and service, remains the true spirit of the Ryder Cup. And as we look at Europe’s captain, Luke Donald, leading with humility and team-first values, we see the legacy continue. The Ryder Cup began with a Christian vision, and it still inspires us today: compete fiercely, walk humbly, and use every gift to lift others.

Bible Study: Bridge Builders

Take a few moments to read and reflect on each of these verses.

He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation (Ephesians 2:14)

God… has given us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–20)

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18)

I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some (1 Corinthians 9:22)

You shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to Dwell In (Isaiah 58:12)

Reflect on these questions:

Where has Christ already broken down a “wall” in my life? (Eph. 2:14)

Who is God asking me to reconcile with or serve this month? (2 Cor. 5:18–20)

What preferences can I lay down to reach someone different from me? (1 Cor. 9:22)

How can I bring peace into a tense environment, home, team, workplace? (Rom. 12:18)

What breach in my community might God be calling me to repair? (Isa. 58:12)

A 7-Day “Bridge Builder” Challenge

Day 1 – Pray: Ask the Lord to show you one person to befriend this week.
Day 2 – Notice: Spot someone on the margins—introduce yourself.
Day 3 – Serve: Do one practical act of kindness, unannounced.
Day 4 – Invite: Extend a low-pressure invitation (coffee, training night, church event).
Day 5 – Encourage: Send a short message that builds courage and hope.
Day 6 – Reconcile: Take a step toward peace where there’s strain.
Day 7 – Testify: Share, in one minute, what Christ has done for you.

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35)

Closing Exhortation

Beloved, the Ryder Cup is, at heart, a bridge-building event, nations meeting in fierce yet friendly contest. Samuel Ryder used his resources to create a bridge; Christ calls us to be bridges. Let us ask God to lead us to people and inspire us with creative bridges, into friendship, the family, the community, and the church.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You are our Peace, the One who tears down dividing walls.
Thank You for the example of Samuel Ryder, his generosity, fairness, and vision to bring people together through sport.
Fill us afresh with Your Spirit. Give us eyes to see the lonely, courage to cross divides, and wisdom to build creative bridges that honour You.
Use TICCN and our Sports Chaplains to carry Your compassion onto pitches, into locker rooms, homes, and streets.
May we compete fiercely, walk humbly, and lift others, so that many are reconciled to You and to one another.
In Your holy Name we pray. Amen.

++Archbishop Steven Lyn Evans