Each day Crown & Caliber is selecting two Ryder Cup players, one from Team USA and one from Team Europe (we have to be fair) and suggesting a new timepiece that matches their unique character. After all, if they win, they may want to celebrate. Unless you buy it first, that is.
Jordan Spieth (Team USA)
First Ryder Cup Appearance Anointed golf’s next superstar, Jordan Spieth is humble, confident, and honest. His historic rise, number of wins and prize money was on pace to eclipse Tiger Woods. Oh and putting? Anything under 8 feet is automatic. Family comes first, but he also likes to have fun and went on an epic spring break jaunt with Rickie Fowler. Rolex sponsors him, but here’s our up-and-coming selection. And it’s automatic too. Zenith 18K El Primero Chronograph, $8,000
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Martin Kaymer (Team Europe)
Ryder Cup Appearance(s): 2010, 2012, 2014 Overall Record 4-3-3 The steely-eyed German Martin Kaymer loves the world stage. And he delivers. German engineering at its best, his swing is the one you want to copy. He disappeared after being the number one player in the world, only to reemerge and win the U.S. Open at Pinehurst. A resilient fighter always in it till the end. And though he’s sponsored by Rolex, we’re suggesting another battle-worthy choice: Graham Chronofighter Trigger Flyback, $3,650
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Dustin Johnson (Team USA)
Ryder Cup Appearances: 2010, 2012 | Overall Record 4-3-0 Dustin Johnson is the master of consistency—he’s won at least one PGA Tour event per year since 2008. No wonder, since he’s one of the longest hitters on the Tour. While he’s had his issues off the course, he’s handled all adversity thrown his way with class. It’s impossible to rattle this guy. Here’s our rock solid pick: Rolex GMT-Master, $6,150
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Lee Westwood (Team Europe)
Ryder Cup Appearances: 1997, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 | Overall Record 20-15-6 Lee Westwood is one of the most respected in the game—one of the winningest in European Tour history, and maybe the best player in the history of golf to never win a major. AP is his sponsor, but we have another time-honored choice for him: 1950’s Vintage Patek Phillipe Calatrava ref. 96, $9,760
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J.B. Holmes (Team USA)
Ryder Cup Appearance: 2008 | Overall Record 2-0-1 Holmes is a blue collar kinda guy. Born in Kentucky and went to college there, he’s one of the longest hitters on the tour. All pure Kentucky muscle; think Paul Bunyan with a 6 iron. Incredibly resilient, he underwent two brain surgeries after a bout with vertigo and a diagnosed cerebellum defect and was back on the PGA tour less than a year later. Bravo, sir. Here’s our strong pick: Rolex Submariner Hulk, $8,500
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Henrik Stenson (Team Europe)
Ryder Cup Appearances: 2006, 2008, 2014 | Overall Record 5-4-2 The sweet-swing Swede of Team Europe, Henrik Stenson is tall and hits the ball that way. He dominated on both the European and PGA Tours a couple of years back, claiming number one positions in both. His biggest loss? A Ponzi scheme investment that nearly finished his golf career. But he came back and is sponsored by AP. Also loves practical jokes, so we picked something whimsical: Franck Muller Long Island, $10,500
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Phil Mickelson (Team USA)
Ryder Cup Appearances: 1995, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 | Overall Record 16-19-7 The “Dad” of Team USA, “Lefty” is one of the few who wears a watch during play (he’s sponsored by Rolex). He’s one of the most accomplished players in the game, great to the press and his fans—often spending hours signing and taking pictures. Imaginative shots in every round. A real crowd pleaser. Oh, and he’s been here a few times, huh? Here’s our out-of-left-field suggestion: Panerai Luminor 1950 Left-Handed 8 Days Titanio, $12,350
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Sergio Garcia (Team Europe)
Ryder Cup Appearances: 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014 | Overall Record 18-9-5 The heart and soul of Team Europe, Sergio Garcia is considered “the second coming of Steve Ballesteros.” Sergio is often criticized and undervalued, but he’s been on the team since 1999 and his fiery passion and team spirit make him a guy you want on your fantasy roster. Especially since he’s got one of the best overall records in Ryder Cup history. Our pick? IWC Spitfire Double Chronograph, $5,990
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Zach Johnson (Team USA)
Ryder Cup Appearances: 2006, 2010, 2012, 2014 | Overall Record 6-2-2 One of Team USA’s veterans, Zach Johnson hasn’t changed his golf swing in years. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” seems to be his adage. He’s a multi-major champ, a big family man, and doesn’t get the press he deserves. That certainly doesn’t seem to bother him; he plays his own game and it’s worked extremely well for him. For Johnson, here’s our tried and true suggestion: Rolex Submariner, $5,770
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Justin Rose (Team Europe)
Ryder Cup Appearances: 2008, 2012, 2014 | Overall Record 9-3-2 Okay, Hublot technically sponsors him, but Justin Rose should at least consider some alternatives. Part Prince William, part James Bond, he is the “veddy definition of an English gentleman.” He only realized his golfing potential just a few years ago, but is now one of the most consistent players in the game. Heart of gold and a medal to match—he took first place in Rio this summer. Here’s our mannered pick: Omega Planet Ocean James Bond Casino Royale, $3,990
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Rickie Fowler (Team USA)
Ryder Cup Appearances: 2010, 2014 | Overall Record 0-4-4 Sure, he’s sponsored by Rolex on the PGA TOUR, but the very colorful Rickie Fowler deserves something a little more flamboyant. This Red Bull-drinking man of many colors—he’s partial to orange—sometimes sports a killer mustache and also took an epic spring break trip with his golf buddies and posted it all on social media. Colorful, energetic, world traveling. Here’s our suggestion: Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean, $5,340.00
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Rory McIlroy (Team Europe)
Ryder Cup Appearances: 2010, 2012, 2014 | Overall Record 6-4-4 Yes, technically he’s an Omega man, but as the most popular player in golf aside from Tiger Woods, he’s been at the top of the world rankings for years. Time for a change? We think so. He’s honest to a fault, media friendly, wealthy and globe-trotting but not flashy. You also don’t want to challenge him to a bar fight. He’s probably the fittest player on the tour. Here’s our pick: Bremont World Timer, $4,190
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