The Ryder Cup, an esteemed men’s golf competition, showcases riveting matchups between teams representing Europe and the United States. This highly anticipated event takes place biennially, alternating between courses in the United States and Europe. The organization and administration of the Ryder Cup are jointly carried out by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America and Ryder Cup Europe.
Throughout its history, the format of the Cup has undergone several modifications. Initially, from its inception until 1959, the competition spanned two days, featuring 36-hole matches. Subsequently, the format evolved to 18-hole matches, with a doubling of the matches in 1961. Two years later, the event expanded to three days, introducing four-ball matches for the first time. This format persisted until 1977, when it was revised to 20 matches, coinciding with the participation of continental European players. The current format, which has been in use since 1979 and remains in place today, comprises a total of 28 matches. The first two days feature eight foursomes or four-ball matches, while the final day culminates in 12 singles matches.
The Ryder Cup’s rich history and exciting format have contributed to its status as a cherished event in the world of golf, captivating fans and showcasing the fierce competition and camaraderie between two continents.