The 3rd Ryder Cup Matches were held June 26–27, 1931 at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio.

In late 1929 the Deed of Trust was revised requiring players to be born in and resident in their respective countries.

[2] This rule disqualified Percy Alliss and Aubrey Boomer, two of Great Britain's best players, as they had both taken jobs as club professionals in mainland Europe.

In early 1931, it was announced that a selection committee of five would choose the Great Britain team for the 1931 Ryder Cup.

Four trial matches were played in which the new American sized ball was used, and in early May a further six players were selected: Compston, Davies, Jolly, Mitchell, Robson and Ernest Whitcombe.