Ryder Cup matchplay explained

The Ryder Cup, held every other year between 12-member teams of professional golfers from Europe and the United States, consists of 28 matches played across three days in five matchplay sessions

MATCHPLAY FORMAT       Total matches

Foursomes: Each team has two players and uses one ball – players take alternate shots, taking turns to tee-off Four-match session played on each of first two days

Four-ball: Two players per team – each player uses his own ball, so four balls are in play on every hole Four-match session played on each of first two days

 
Singles: One player per team All 12 players from both teams compete head-to-head in final session on third day

SCORING: Team with best score after 18 holes earns one point. Both teams earn half-point for tied match. Team needs minimum of 141/2 points to win*

RYDER CUP POINTS RECORD

Team USA   All-time (1927-2016)   Team Europe 
531 1/2                           424 1/2
     Since Team Europe debut (1979-2016)
72 1/2                            79 1/2
70                                83
120 1/2                           107 1/2
Total 263                         269 Total
 
                   
Ryder Cup trophy
All-time Ryder Cup wins – USA: 26 Europe: 13


*If matches end in 14-14 draw, team holding Ryder Cup retains it.
†Team referred to as “Great Britain” until 1971, and “Great Britain and Ireland” from 1973-1977. Team has included players from continental Europe since 1979


Source: The PGA of America Picture: Associated Press © GRAPHIC NEWS