How is the Ryder Cup played?
The Ryder Cup is a three-day match-play event between 12-player teams from the United States and Europe. Friday and Saturday feature foursomes and four-ball matches, followed by 12 singles matches on Sunday.
HOW IS THE RYDER CUP PLAYED?
Held every two years, the Ryder Cup is a three-day match-play contest between 12-player teams from the United States and Europe.
1927
First Played
Every 2 Years
How Often It Is Held
28
Total Points
Ryder Cup Format Explained
How the Ryder Cup Works
The Ryder Cup uses match play rather than stroke play: each match is worth one point. Across three days, the teams play 28 matches—eight foursomes, eight four-ball, and 12 singles matches. The first team to 14.5 points wins the Cup outright.
Friday
4 foursomes + 4 four-ball
Saturday
4 foursomes + 4 four-ball
Sunday
12 singles matches
The Samuel Ryder Trophy
Donated by Samuel Ryder in 1927
A Historic Rivalry
The Ryder Cup is one of the world's greatest sporting events. Every two years, 24 of the best players from Europe and the United States go head-to-head in match play competition.
Drama, tension, incredible golf, camaraderie, and sportsmanship are served up in equal measure, captivating an audience of millions around the world. It's an event that transcends sport, yet remains true to the spirit of its founder, Samuel Ryder.
There is no prize money involved. The players compete purely for the honor of winning, for their team, and for their continent.
How Is the Ryder Cup Played?
Captains choose the pairings for the team sessions, then every player competes in Sunday singles. The order makes both partner chemistry and individual match-play resilience matter.
Fri
Day 1: Foursomes & Fourballs
Four matches of Foursomes (alternate shot) and four matches of Fourballs (better ball) are played. 16 players from each team participate.
Sat
Day 2: Foursomes & Fourballs
Another day of four Foursomes and four Fourballs matches. Captains can change pairings based on the previous day's performance.
Sun
Day 3: Singles
All 12 players from each team compete in head-to-head singles matches. This is often where the Ryder Cup is won or lost.
How Does Ryder Cup Scoring Work?
One Point Per Match
Winning a match earns one point. A tied match is halved, so each side receives half a point.
28 Points Available
Eight foursomes matches, eight four-ball matches, and 12 singles matches create 28 total points.
14.5 Wins the Cup
A team needs 14.5 points for an outright win. At 14-14, the defending champion retains the Cup.
Ryder Cup Format FAQ
How often is the Ryder Cup held?
The Ryder Cup is held every two years, alternating between venues in the United States and Europe.
How many players are on a Ryder Cup team?
Each Ryder Cup team has 12 players, making 24 players in the competition.
How many points are needed to win the Ryder Cup?
There are 28 points available. A team needs 14.5 points to win outright; if the match finishes 14-14, the defending champion retains the Cup.
What is the difference between foursomes and four-ball?
In foursomes, two teammates share one ball and alternate shots. In four-ball, each player uses their own ball and the lower score from each side counts on each hole.
Legendary Moments
Medinah
The Miracle at Medinah (2012)
Europe came back from a 10-6 deficit heading into the singles matches to win 14½-13½. Martin Kaymer sank the winning putt to retain the cup.
Read Full Story →Brookline
The Battle of Brookline (1999)
Team USA overcame a 10-6 deficit, the largest comeback in Ryder Cup history at the time. Justin Leonard's 45-foot putt on the 17th hole sealed the victory.
Read Full Story →The Trophy & Traditions
The Ryder Cup trophy stands 17 inches tall, nine inches wide and weighs four pounds. The figure on top of the trophy is Abe Mitchell, Samuel Ryder's golf instructor.
Opening Ceremony
Held on the Thursday before play begins, featuring team introductions, national anthems, and the announcement of the first day's pairings.
Team Uniforms
Captains meticulously select team uniforms for each day of competition, often reflecting national colors and styles.
2025 Ryder Cup Results
Team Europe held off Team USA at Bethpage Black, winning 15-13 to claim their first victory on American soil since 2012.
Team USA
Captain: Keegan Bradley
13
FINAL
Team Europe
Captain: Luke Donald
15