Ryder Cup 2023: Rules and Format

The Ryder Cup is the most prestigious team event in golf. Every two years, the twelve best golfers from the United States and Europe face off against each other. The Ryder Cup was first held in 1927, and since then, this top event alternates between the European and American continents.

Tournament Format and Match Formats

The Ryder Cup takes place over three days in a match-play format, where golfers compete head-to-head. A total of 28 matches are played over 18 holes during the tournament. Three different game formats are used over the three tournament days.

On Friday and Saturday, four Foursome matches are played each day. In Foursomes, the same ball is played alternately by a two-player team until it is holed. Ryder Cup Foursomes feature two Europeans against two Americans in a flight of four. If a team takes fewer strokes to complete a hole than their opponents, they go “1 up.” If a team leads by more points than holes remaining, the match is finished, and the winning team earns a point. If both teams have won the same number of holes, the match is halved, and each team gets half a point.

Additionally, on Friday and Saturday, four Fourball matches are played. In Fourballs, two European golfers compete against two American golfers in a flight of four. However, unlike in Foursomes, all four players play their own balls, and only the best score per team on each hole is counted. The same match-play rules apply. The choice between starting with Foursomes or Fourballs on each day is determined by the hosting team.

To conclude the Ryder Cup, on Sunday, the 28 matches are completed with twelve Singles (individual matches). The team captains determine in what order players will compete in the Singles matches, as well as the pairings for Foursomes and Fourballs. Before the match pairings are announced, the captains do not know who their players will be facing.

Scoring in the Ryder Cup

For each win in a match, the winning team earns one point that contributes to the overall team score. In the case of a tie, each Ryder Cup match is awarded half a point. A team needs 14.5 points to win. If the Ryder Cup ends in a tie, the defending champion retains the title. This year, this would mean victory for Team USA.

One unique aspect of scoring in the Ryder Cup is the concept of “dormie.” Dormie occurs when a player or team is leading with the same number of points as there are holes left to play. In this situation, the trailing team can only level the match and tie it but cannot win it.

One of the most memorable Ryder Cup moments in recent history was the 2012 edition, which showcased how thrilling and close the contest between Team USA and Team Europe can be. Team Europe secured a dramatic victory with a stunning putt by Martin Kaymer, winning 14.5 to 13.5 points after an incredible comeback.

So, as golf fans eagerly await the Ryder Cup 2023 at Marco Simone GCC in Rome, Italy, they can look forward to witnessing the intensity and excitement of this prestigious event, where the finest golfers from the United States and Europe battle it out for pride and honor.