Ryder Cup

by Gregg A. Johnson ~ Last Updated:

The Ryder Cup is a golf trophy contest held every other year matching a team of players from Europe and a team of players from the United States. The name of the tournament came from Samuel Ryder who had watched the first casual match of this format and though it would be good to make the match official. He donated the first gold cup prize and they named the contest after him. The first official Ryder Cup match was played in 1927 in Massachusetts.

Each Ryder Cup team is captained by an experienced golfer. They will get to choose some of the golfers who will play on the team, but most of the team is chosen according to how well they have played since the last Ryder Cup. There is a point system that is in place and their position on the team is dependent on their points.

The matches in the Ryder cup involve various match play matches. Currently, the matches consist of eight foursome matches, eight four ball matches, and twelve singles matches. The winner of each match scores a point for their team with ½ point each for any match that is tied after 18 holes.

A foursome match is competition between two teams of two golfers. The golfers on the same team take alternate shots throughout the match with the same ball. A team takes the hole when it completes the hole with the fewest shots.

A four ball match in the Ryder Cup is also a competition between two teams of two golfers, but all four golfers play their own ball throughout the round rather than alternating shots. Whichever golfer completes the hole with the lowest score wins the hole.

A singles match is a standard match play competition between two golfers.

Many changes have been made to the Ryder Cup over the years, but it still remains one of the most exciting and competitive tournaments in the golf world. The next Ryder Cup competition will be held in 2008 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.

While teams have yet to be officially picked, we do know that the United States Ryder Cup team will be captained by Paul Azinger. Right now, it appears we'll probably see Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk, and Davis Love III as team members based on their points they have accumulated.

The European Ryder Cup team will be captained by Nick Faldo. Expect to see names like Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia, and Luke Donald as probably team members.

Ryder Cup In The News


 Monty’s Ryder Cup picks in line with Sagarins - GolfWeek

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:59:00 GMT

European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie announced Sunday his three wild card selections to join the Euro squad against Team USA at Celtic Manor in October. Montgomerie chose Padraig Harrington, Luke ...


 Molinari Brothers Want Inspirational Costantino Rocca At Ryder Cup - Post Chronicle

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:03:00 GMT

Costantino Rocca was the Ryder Cup inspiration for Edoardo and Francesco Molinari and the brothers want their fellow Italian with them when they make their debuts in the team event next month. Francesco ...


 Montgomerie makes captain's picks for Ryder Cup - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:58:00 GMT

Colin Montgomerie chose Edoardo Molinari, Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington as his three captain's picks for the European Ryder Cup team Sunday, much to the surprise of Paul Casey and Justin Rose. Casey ...


 Full Monty: Europe fills Ryder Cup roster; Tiger in hunt - Covers.com

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:49:00 GMT

European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie rounded out his roster on Sunday, selecting Edoardo Molinari, Padraig Harrington and Luke Donald as his three captain's choices, according to the Associated Press. Molinari ...


 Francesco Molinari of Italy secures Ryder Cup place - PGA Tour

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:25:00 GMT

GLENEAGLES, Scotland (AP) -- Francesco Molinari of Italy has been guaranteed a place in Europe's Ryder Cup team following Ross McGowan 's withdrawal from the Johnnie Walker Championship because of an injury. McGowan ...