Ryder Cup matchplay format explained

The Ryder Cup pits 12-man teams of the best players from Europe and the United States against each other in a three-day tournament featuring three different types of matchplay


DAYS 1 AND 2

FOUR BALL
Players: 2 per team	2 2 

Balls in play: 4 One per player

Matches	8 Four per day

FOURSOMES
Players: 2 per team	2 2 

2 One per team

Matches 8 Four per day


DAY 3

SINGLES
Players listed by captain in order of play	1 1 

2 One per player

12 matches


Scoring: One point for win, half-point if match is tied

Winner: First team to 14 1/2 points. If scores are level at 14-14, defending team retains cup


All-time wins
U.S. 27
Europe 14
 

RYDER CUP ALL-TIME POINTS
United States	(1927-2021)	Europe*

121 1/2 			107 1/2
159 				130
280 1/2				213 1/2
Total 561			451 Total 

 
*Europe team known as Great Britain until 1971, and as Great Britain and Ireland from
1973-1977. Team has included players from continental Europe since 1979


Source: The PGA of America / Ryder Cup Europe LLP 
Picture: Getty Images 
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