Source: Prior to the match, there was some controversy about the qualification rules for the Great Britain team. In 1927 and 1929 the American PGA had decided to only select American born and resident players but the original Ryder Cup Deed of Trust made no such provision. All members of the Professional Golfers' Association were eligible. In late 1929 the Deed of Trust was revised requiring players to be born in and resident in their respective countries. 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. This committee consisted of
George Oke,
Charles Whitcombe,
Charles Corlett,
Dick Wheildon and
Albert Haskins. Charles Whitcombe was announced as the captain. An initial squad of 24 was announced.
Henry Cotton objected to a team rule requiring all players to travel out together and return together. Cotton wished to remain in the United States after the match. As a consequence Cotton was withdrawn from the squad. 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. Duncan and Easterbrook were later added. During the final day of The Open Championship, Cotton was again asked whether he would play under the original conditions but again declined and the following day Hodson was announced as the final selection. In a further statement the same day it was announced that
Herbert Jolly had withdrawn because of a lack of form and had been replaced by Havers. Jolly had scored 84 and 78 in the
Open Championship qualifying the previous week. The British team sailed on June 10 following a farewell dinner the previous evening. ==Friday's foursome matches==