Did you know

The United States of America hold the record for the most number of wins with 23. South Africa are next with five, then Australia and Spain with four, followed by Canada with three. Next with two are England, Germany, Ireland, Japan and Wales. Three countries have triumphed once, they are: Argentina, Sweden and Taiwan.

Argentina, Australia, England and the United States hold the record for the most appearances all with 52. Germany come next with 50 and then Canada with 49.

The United States have hosted the World Cup the most, staging the tournament on 11 occasions. Spain are next with five. In all, 25 countries have hosted the event. The Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia holds the distinction of being the most used venue – three times in 1959, 1972 and 1988.

Arnold Palmer (1960, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1966 and 1967), along with Jack Nicklaus (1963, 1964, 1966, 1967, 1971 and 1973) jointly hold the record for most victories by a player. Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus (1963, 1964, 1966 and 1967) established the record for the most victories by the same partnership – four. That standard was matched by another American duo of Fred Couples and Davis Love III in 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995.

Ernie Els and Wayne Westner, representing South Africa in 1996, in front of their home fans at Erinvale Golf Club in Cape Town, hold the record for the largest winning margin of 18 shots. This beat the previous best of 14 by Ben Hogan and Sam Snead at Wentworth Club in 1956.

With 25, Jean Garaialde of France holds the record for the most number of appearances in the World Cup. He first played in 1954 with his 25th and final representation coming in 1982.

Flory van Donck of Belgium is the oldest player to participate in the World Cup. He was 67 when he made the last of 19 appearances in 1979. The youngest competitor was Marko Vovk, who was only 15 when he played for Yugoslavia in 1979.