Ryder Cup 2018: Teams, Scoring and Format Explained

Author:
Nathan Rush
Publish date:
Sep 27, 2018

Ryder Cup: Teams, Scoring and Format Explained

The 42nd Ryder Cup tees off at Le Golf National in Paris, France, from Sept. 28-30. Captains Jim Furyk (USA) and Thomas Bjorn (Europe) will bring two teams comprised of 12 players — eight who qualified via points and four captain’s picks — to compete in 28 matches, each played to a maximum of 18 holes.

Days 1 and 2 consist of four foursome (alternate shot) matches and four fourball (better ball) matches each day, while Day 3 concludes with 12 head-to-head singles matches. Each match is worth one point, with 14 ½ points needed to win the cup. In the case of a 14–14 tie, the defending champion retains the cup. (Captain Davis Love III and Team USA won 17–11 at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota in 2016.)

From 1927–77, the USA played a combination of Great Britain (since 1927), Northern Ireland (1947) and Ireland (1953). Since 1979, the biennial format has been USA vs. Europe. Historically, the USA leads Europe in the series, 26–13–2. (Five Ryder Cups went unplayed due to World War II and 9/11.)

Here’s a rundown of this year’s teams: