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Just like the Solheim Cup, the Ryder Cup is a widely known golf tournament that occurs every two years consisting of two teams, Europe and the United States. This tournament is a men’s event where the best of the best compete from around the world in efforts to win the Ryder Cup over the course of three days.
The Ryder Cup was named after an English businessman, Samuel Ryder, who donated the trophy for this event.
Ryder Cup Format
Unlike most PGA events, the Ryder cup is a match play tournament rather than your standard stroke play event. This match play event is based on a point system where the U.S needs a total of 14 points while Europe will need 14 and a half points.
The U.S only needs 14 points rather than 14 and a half due to the fact that they won the previous year and are competing to retain it again.
Over the first two days, all of the best ball (fourball) and alternate shot (foursomes) matches will be played. On the final day of the tournament, singles matches will begin. An opponent will play against another from the opposing team in a standard match play round. There will be a total of 12 of these singles matches to end the competition. This tournament allows the players and teams to play multiple different formats and get to participate in single and team matches as well.
How are the Ryder Cup Teams Picked?
Similar to how the Solheim Cup teams are selected, the Ryder Cup qualifications are split up into sections. Although they follow the same basic guidelines, the U.S and Europe have gone different ways when it comes to how they split up their team. For Europe, the first 4 slots for the team are determined based on the European Tour rankings, also known as The Race to Dubai. The next 5 slots are given to the top players on the World Tour rankings who didn’t qualify under the first 4 slots. To finish off the team of 12, the last three slots will be determined by captains’ choice. On the other hand, for the United States, the first six positions on the team are given to the top ranked players in the USA’s point list. This ranking is based on total prize money won. After these slots are given out, the second half of the team will be chosen by the team captain.
Ryder Cup Locations
Since 1927, the Ryder Cup has made a huge impact on competitive golf worldwide. Players and fans come from all over to watch this intense matchup between Europe and the United States. Although there have been numerous Ryder Cup venues in the past, the most recent list as follows:
2002- The Belfry Hotel and Resort
- Europe 15 ½ , USA 12 ½
2004- Oakland Hills South course
- Europe 18 ½ , USA 9 ½
2006- The K Club
- Europe 18 ½ , USA 9 ½
2008- Valhalla Golf Club
- USA 16 ½ , Europe 11 ½
2010- The Celtic Manor resort
- Europe 14 ½ , USA 13 ½
2012- Medinah
- Europe 14 ½ , USA 13 ½
2014- Gleneagles
- Europe 16 ½ , USA 11 ½
2016- Hazeltine National Golf Club
- USA 17, Europe 11
2018- Le Golf National
- Europe 17 ½ , USA 10 ½
2021 – Whistling Straits
Ryder Cup 2021 Venue
As the trend follows of the event happening every two years, you can see that this year we are looking forward to another Ryder Cup event. This year, Europe will be looking to defend their title at Whistling Straits, located in Kohler Wisconsin. Whistling Straits is a world renowned course planted along a two mile stretch of lake Michigan. With its back tees sitting around 7300 yards, this course gives itself a beautiful scotish feel with its design. Players from all over are looking forward to playing and watching this year’s Ryder Cup.