The 32nd Ryder Cup Matches were held at the Valderrama Golf Club in Sotogrande, Spain, marking the first time the event was contested in continental Europe.

The Europeans held a 101⁄2–51⁄2 lead heading into the final day, but the Americans mounted a comeback by winning the singles matches 8–4 but fell just short.

In the final event both José María Olazábal and Pádraig Harrington had chances to overtake Martin but neither succeeded.

Because of uncertainty about Martin's fitness, the announcement of the two captain's picks, which was to have been immediately after the BMW International Open, was cancelled.

Captains picks are shown in yellow; the world rankings and records are at the start of the 1997 Ryder Cup.