What significant change occurred in the Ryder Cup in 1979?

In 1979, the Ryder Cup saw a significant change with the inclusion of European golfers as part of the competition. Before this year, the Ryder Cup was primarily contested between American players and those from Great Britain and Ireland. This shift to inviting all of Europe expanded the competitive field and allowed for a more diverse representation of golf talent from various countries. This change not only enhanced the rivalry and competitiveness of the event but also contributed to its growth in popularity across Europe, solidifying the Ryder Cup's position as one of the premier events in golf.

While increased prize money, match play format, or a location change could be notable, the inclusion of European golfers is the pivotal change that fundamentally altered the nature of the competition and set the stage for the event as we know it today.