All Blacks inspire Europe’s 'very powerful' number move

Members of Team Europe during the second preview day of the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin. Picture: Anthony Behar/PA 

With the backing of golf’s most creative marketing team at the European Tour behind him, captain Pádraig Harrington launched a new motivational tool for his 12-man team: Roster numbers.

Only 164 players have represented teams from Britain, Ireland, and continental Europe in 43 Ryder Cup matches — a fraternity so elite that players are now distinguished by their place in the lineage.