The Ryder Cup
Golf's most prestigious team competition - where legends are born and history is made. Learn about the tournament's rich history, format, and legendary moments.
About The Ryder Cup
The Ultimate Team Competition
Every two years, the Ryder Cup features 12 of the top European golfers going head-to-head against 12 of the best players from the United States in a three-day, match-play competition that transforms individual stars into passionate teammates.
Named after English businessman Samuel Ryder who donated the trophy in 1927, this biennial contest has evolved from a US-Great Britain competition to the epic USA vs Europe battle we know today.
Tournament Format
Day 1 - Friday
Morning: Foursomes
4 matches - Alternate shot format where partners take turns hitting the same ball
Afternoon: Four-Ball
4 matches - Best ball format where each player plays their own ball
Day 2 - Saturday
Morning: Foursomes
4 matches - Same format as Friday morning
Afternoon: Four-Ball
4 matches - Same format as Friday afternoon
Day 3 - Sunday
Singles Matches
12 individual head-to-head matches that often determine the winner
Points needed to win
Legendary Moments
Miracle at Medinah (2012)
The greatest comeback in Ryder Cup history. Europe trailed 10-6 entering Sunday but won 8½ of 12 singles matches to retain the Cup in dramatic fashion.
The Concession (1969)
Jack Nicklaus conceded Tony Jacklin's 2-foot putt on the 18th hole, ensuring the match ended in a tie. The ultimate act of sportsmanship.
Brookline Comeback (1999)
Justin Leonard's 45-foot putt sparked wild celebrations and the famous "green invasion" as USA completed a stunning comeback from 10-6 down.
War on the Shore (1991)
One of the most intense Ryder Cups ever at Kiawah Island, coming down to the final putt by Bernhard Langer that would have tied the match.
O'Connor's 2-Iron (1989)
Christy O'Connor Jr.'s perfect 2-iron shot to 5 feet on the 18th hole at The Belfry helped Europe retain the Cup.
Clarke's Emotion (2006)
Darren Clarke's emotional victory just weeks after his wife's passing, winning all three matches and breaking down in tears after his singles win.
Trophy & Traditions
The Samuel Ryder Trophy
The Ryder Cup trophy stands 17 inches tall and is made of gold-plated silver. It features a golfer in plus-four knickers swinging a club, modeled after Samuel Ryder's golf instructor, Abe Mitchell.
The trophy weighs approximately 4 pounds and is valued at over $50,000. Unlike many sporting trophies, the original is always presented to the winning team.
Prize Money
USA Team: Each player receives $500,000 for competing, with $300,000 going to charity
European Team: No monetary compensation - they play for pride and glory
Key Traditions
Opening Ceremony
A spectacular ceremony featuring both teams, national anthems, and the official handover of the trophy from the previous hosts.
Team Rooms
Separate team rooms where players strategize, bond, and prepare. These become the heart of team spirit throughout the week.
Singles Envelope
Captains must submit their Sunday singles lineup in a sealed envelope before Saturday play ends, adding strategic intrigue.
Victory Celebrations
Wild celebrations, champagne showers, and the ceremonial raising of the trophy mark the culmination of golf's most emotional event.
2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black
Historic Away Victory - Europe Breaks 13-Year Drought
Final Score
15
Europe
-
13
USA
📍 Venue
Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, New York
📅 Dates
September 26-28, 2025
🏆 Historic Achievement
First away win since Medinah 2012
👑 Captain
Luke Donald (consecutive win)
Three Days of Drama
Friday (Foursomes & Fourballs)
Europe 3.5 - USA 0.5
Europe leads 3.5-0.5
Saturday (Foursomes & Fourballs)
Europe 8.0 - USA 4.0
Europe leads 11.5-4.5 (record!)
Sunday (Singles)
Europe 3.5 - USA 8.5
Europe holds off comeback
🌟 Key Highlights
- ✓Tommy Fleetwood MVP: Perfect 4-0-0 in team sessions, 4-1 overall (Nicklaus-Jacklin Award winner)
- ✓Shane Lowry's Winning Putt: 6-foot birdie on 18th clinched victory after trailing 2 down
- ✓Tyrrell Hatton Undefeated: 3-0-1 record with crucial half-point in singles
- ✓Scottie Scheffler's Struggle: Historic 0-4-0 start (first time since format change in 1979)
- ✓Jon Rahm Dominates: 3-0-1 record continues exceptional Ryder Cup form
- ✓Record 7-Point Lead: Europe's largest 36-hole advantage in team history (11.5-4.5)