Everything you need to know about how it works, who is involved and how to watch.
Why is this a big deal?
Before golf ended up being back in the Olympics, this was golfers’ only opportunity to wear Team USA gear and compete for their country. It is very different than what the guys are used to on tour where everything is individual. In contrast, this event is played as a team, so it gives the guys a nice break from the grind on tour and gives them that locker room comradery that usually doesn’t happen.
By the numbers:
- 2 countries are making their Ryder Cup debut being represented this year by Team Europe: Austria by Bernd Wieseberger and Norway by Viktor Hovland
- 6 rookies on Team USA vs 3 rookies on Team Europe
- Team USA first timers: Collin Morikawa, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Harris English, Daniel Berger & Scottie Scheffler
- Team EU first timers: Bernd Wiesberger, Viktor Hovland & Shane Lowry
- 12 players on each of Team USA and Team Europe
- 13 Ryder Cup wins is longest consecutive winning streak held by Team USA (1959-1983)
- 14 ½ points wins the cup
- 23.5 points is the most points scored by a team during a Ryder Cup (Team USA in the 1967 Ryder Cup held in Texas)
- 28 matches to be played and points to be won
- 28 years since Team USA has won when the Cup is played in Europe
- 1927 was the first Ryder Cup
- 2016 was the last time the Ryder Cup was in the USA – USA won
- Overall record USA 26 – Europe 14
- USA won 13 in a row from 1959-1983
How the Ryder Cup works?
The first 2 days consist of four-ball matches and foursome matches followed by the last day of 12 single matches
- Four-ball matches – think of this like best score counts
- Each group of 4 guys (2 Americans and 2 Europeans) plays their own ball
- Each team counts the lowest of their 2 scores
- The team that hits the lowest on the hole gets 1 point
- If the hole ends in a tie then the points are halved
- Foursomes – also called alternate shot (kinda like if you’re playing billiards)
- Each team plays one ball per hole
- The players take turns hitting alternate tee shots
- #GFHints: This is what they mean when you hear players say they like odds or evens. Each player takes turns hitting tee shots on even or odd numbered holes
- The team that that hits the lowest on the hole gets 1 point
- If the hole ends in a tie then the points are halved
- Each team plays one ball per hole
- Singles
- 1 American vs 1 European
- Whoever scores the lowest wins the hole and 1 point
- If the hole ends in a tie then the points are halved
- First team to 14½ points wins
- If the Cup ends in 14-14 tie then the Ryder Cup stays with the team that won it last time, which is Team USA
Other random facts:
- The Ryder Cup is not a stranger to being canceled or postponed. The 1939 Ryder Cup was all set to take place until 2 months before when the outbreak of WWII canceled the event. WWII also led to the 1941, 1943 and 1945 Ryder Cups being called off. The 2001 Ryder Cup was postponed due to the 9/11 attacks in NYC. The tournament was set to take place that same month in Europe. As a result, that delay began the Ryder Cup being played in even years. Similarly after the COVID delay from last year, the Ryder Cups will now be held in odd years.
- If the teams tie, the winner of the most recent Ryder Cup keeps the trophy. This happened in 1969 and 1989; one retention each for the USA and Europe.
- Some players won’t play all 18 holes. If someone is winning by more points than holes left, the duo will stop play.
- The team captains of the host nation are allowed to help design the course to either aide their team or work against their opponent.
- For example, in the previous Ryder Cup in France, that course is notorious for small fairways and thus accuracy becomes paramount. This worked like a charm against a Team USA that was heavily favored with long drivers. Longer drives are harder to hit very accurately.
- Fans are notoriously rowdy at this event so expect to hear plenty of “USA” cheers. The golfers love it!
Where is it being played?
- Whistling Straights in Wisconsin, USA
- Most recent completed Ryder Cup: 2018 Paris
- Upcoming hosts:
- 2023 – Rome, ITA
- 2025 – NY, USA
- 2027 – County Limerick, IRE
- 2029 – MN, USA
How to watch?
- To watch live:
- Thurs 9/23
- Ryder Cup – Opening Ceremony @ 4pm on Golf Channel
- Fri 9/24
- Ryder Cup – Day 1 @ 7am on Golf Channel
- Sat 9/25
- Ryder Cup – Day 2
- @ 7am on Golf Channel
- @ 8am on NBC
- Ryder Cup – Day 2
- Sun 9/26
- Ryder Cup – Day 3
- @ 11am on NBC
- Ryder Cup – Day 3
Who is on the team?
USA Captain: Steve Stricker
Europe Captain: Padraig Harrington
Who should win?
On paper, the USA should take the title but we have heard that before. The USA are favored in Vegas as well with the expected score of 15-13. This is the battle between young talent vs a experienced team.
Why bet Team Europe?
Team Europe has the #1 golfer in the World on their team, Jon Rahm. Although they seem outgunned by the USA team’s rankings, the recent scoreboard definitely leans in the favor of Europe. Europe wanted to go with experience which they have plenty of. Lee Westwood has played in 10 previous Ryder Cups followed by Sergio Garcia (9) and Ian Poulter (6). By comparison, the USA’s most experienced player is Dustin Johnson who has played in 4 Ryder Cups. Team chemistry amongst the Europeans tends to be higher than the USA, especially with the Bryson/Brooks feud. Europe is expecting (and hoping) that to be a distraction for the US.
Why bet Team USA?
Team USA’s average world ranking is 8.9 while Europe’s is 30.8. So by pure math, the USA should win. The lowest ranking player on their roster is Scottie Scheffler at OWGR #21. Europe’s next highest ranked player (besides #1 Jon Rahm) is #14. Team USA has the home field advantage and thus the fans are going to be majorly on their side. No ole ole chants this time. Plus the team got to practice on the course last week. More views of the course usually leads to lower scores.
