Why is the Ryder Cup called that?

An English businessman, Samuel Ryder, donated a gold trophy for the first trans Atlantic golf competition in 1927.

More about why the Ryder Cup is called that?

Samuel Ryder only took up the game of golf at 50 years of age and quickly became an enthusiast. With his brother, James, he began sponsoring golf tournaments in 1923. 

The idea of a match between American and British professionals first came up in 1926 and in that year there was a match, but not an official one. The first official match took place in 1927.