by Matthew Adams

Created on: May 21, 2009

The Ryder Cup is a team based golf contest played between the best United States and European golfers. A biannual event, the Ryder Cup is now one of golf's major events alongside the PGA Championship, US, UK Open and Masters.

Originally, the Ryder Cup was between United Kingdom and United States golfers only, as proposed by Samuel Ryder (founder of the Ryder Cup). However, the Ryder Cup became increasingly uncompetitive with the United States tending to dominate the event. As such, the United Kingdom team was later extended to include other European golfers as the EU (European Union) team. Now, it is played between the European Union and United States teams.

A team captain, usually a former golfer of a Ryder Cup team, selects the teams to play in the event. These captains choose the best players they can have in their team, and usually these players are those who are high in the PGA rankings. Up to 12 players are selected for the United States and European Union teams to play as pairs.

Overall, it is played over three days. While formats have varied, currently the Ryder Cup is based on the foursome, four-ball and single format.

Unlike the Major golf events, the Ryder Cup is actually based on match play with holes won and lost. Here, the players that score lowest on a hole (as stroke-play) win the hole. If the scores for the hole are level, then the hole is tied and half a point given to both teams. Scoring is then recorded for both teams, and the team which wins the most holes, wins the Ryder Cup. In the event that the Ryder Cup scoring is tied overall, the holders keep the cup.

While America has largely dominated the Ryder Cup golf event, in recent times the EU team has ensured far stronger competition. The European Union team has won up to three consecutive Ryder Cup events. Their players certainly make up a good proportion of top ranked players in the world.

The Ryder Cup is played on great golf courses, usually like the Oak Hill Country club. Other courses like the Ocean course and Country club have also staged the biannual event. Now, it is rotated between European and United States courses. Next, it will be in Europe (or Wales).

Public tickets for the Ryder Cup are selected by ballot. Ticket range from practise tickets (30) to match day (up to 130). There are also a 6, 4 and 2-day tickets available.

Undoubtedly, the Ryder Cup remains an eagerly contested event, with some great golf played. Overall, it is one of golf's showpiece occasions.

Sources: Ryder Cup

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