EUROPE'S golfers have distinguished themselves over the last 20 years, with eight victories in 10 tournaments against the United States.

Last year's victory at Gleneagles was particularly thrilling because it was the first time the competition had been played in Scotland since the Ryder Cup began in 1927.

Today's picture take us back to 1922 from the golfing occasion that sparked the idea for the tournament. It shows reporters from newspapers and news agencies preparing to tell the nation of how the top golfers of the age from Britain and America were faring in a week of golf on the Perthshire course.

The Glasgow Herald, sister paper of the Evening Times, sponsored the match and provided medals for the golfers. The prize money provided was one thousand guineas, a phenomenal sum at that time.

The hotel was not yet open - and would not be until 1924 - so the players were put up in sleeper coaches at Gleneagles station.

The tournament was a great success and a few years later millionaire American seedsman Sam Ryder put up a trophy for what would become a biennial event.

The Ryder Cup was born.