The Ryder Cup: Format, Teams, and Historical Victories

While golf is predominantly an individual sport where players compete for personal glory, the Ryder Cup transforms this dynamic into an exhilarating team contest. Held biennially, the Ryder Cup is a prestigious three-day match-play event that pits a 12-member team of elite European golfers against their counterparts from the United States. The tournament is named in honor of its founder, Samuel Ryder, a passionate English golf entrepreneur.

Renowned for its intense drama, fierce camaraderie, and showcasing golf at its highest level, the Ryder Cup stands out as one of the most anticipated events in the global sports calendar. For those eager to understand this iconic competition, here`s a comprehensive guide to the Ryder Cup, including details for the upcoming 2025 event:

The 2025 Ryder Cup Essentials

When is the Ryder Cup 2025?

The 2025 Ryder Cup is scheduled from Friday, September 26, to Sunday, September 28.

Where will the 2025 Ryder Cup be held?

This edition of the Ryder Cup will be hosted at the famed Bethpage Black Course, located within Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York, USA.

How can fans watch the 2025 Ryder Cup?

Fans in the U.S. can catch the action on NBC, the Golf Channel, and USA Network, with streaming options available via Peacock.

Understanding the Teams and Qualification

Who plays in the Ryder Cup?

Each Ryder Cup team consists of 12 golfers: twelve representing Europe and twelve representing the United States. Typically, a portion of the team qualifies automatically through a points system based on their performance in major tournaments, while the remaining players are selected by the team captain as `captain`s picks`.

The 2025 U.S. Team

For the 2025 U.S. team, the initial six automatic qualifiers after the BMW Championship on August 17 were:

• Scottie Scheffler
• Xander Schauffele
• J.J. Spaun
• Russell Henley
• Harris English
• Bryson DeChambeau

U.S. Captain Keegan Bradley then completed the roster with his six selections:

• Justin Thomas
• Collin Morikawa
• Ben Griffin
• Cameron Young
• Patrick Cantlay
• Sam Burn

The 2025 European Team

On the European side, the first six to qualify via points after the Betfred British Masters on August 24 included:

• Rory McIlroy
• Robert MacIntyre
• Tommy Fleetwood
• Justin Rose
• Rasmus Højgaard
• Tyrrell Hatton

European Captain Luke Donald`s wildcard selections were:

• Shane Lowry
• Viktor Hovland
• Matt Fitzpatrick
• Jon Rahm
• Sepp Straka
• Ludvig Aberg

Ryder Cup Format and Rules

How often is the Ryder Cup played?

This biennial competition rotates its venue between courses in the United States and Europe every two years, ensuring home-and-away advantage for each side in alternating editions.

What is the match format of the Ryder Cup?

The Ryder Cup is a match-play event spanning three days. The initial two days feature team formats: Foursomes and Four-balls. In Foursomes, two players from each team alternate hitting the same ball. In Four-balls, two players from each team each play their own ball, with the lower individual score counting for the hole. The final day culminates in 12 intense head-to-head singles matches.

Across the three days, a total of 28 matches are played. Each match victory earns one point, while a tied match grants half a point to each side. The first team to accumulate more than 14 points (i.e., 14.5 points) wins the Cup. If the overall score ends in a 14-14 tie, the team that won the previous Ryder Cup retains the trophy. There are no playoff holes to decide individual matches or the overall outcome.

Additional Ryder Cup Information

Does the Ryder Cup offer prize money?

Uniquely, the Ryder Cup does not offer prize money to the participating players. While U.S. team members reportedly receive $500,000 for their participation, with a significant portion (e.g., $300,000) often designated for charitable causes, European players traditionally do not receive direct compensation for competing. The prestige of representing one`s continent is considered the primary reward.

Ryder Cup History and Records

Who leads the all-time Ryder Cup series?

Historically, the United States holds the advantage in the all-time series with a record of 27 wins, 15 losses, and 2 ties.

Ryder Cup All-Time Winners List

Here is a list of past Ryder Cup results:

1. 2023: Europe 16½, United States 11½
2. 2021: United States 19, Europe 9
3. 2018: Europe 17½, United States 10½
4. 2016: United States 17, Europe 11
5. 2014: Europe 16½, United States 11½
6. 2012: Europe 14½, United States 13½
7. 2010: Europe 14½, United States 13½
8. 2008: United States 16½, Europe 11½
9. 2006: Europe 18½, United States 9½
10. 2004: Europe 18½, United States 9½
11. 2002: Europe 15½, United States 12½
12. 1999: United States 14½, Europe 13½
13. 1997: Europe 14½, United States 13½
14. 1995: Europe 14½, United States 13½
15. 1993: United States 15, Europe 13
16. 1991: United States 14½, Europe 13½
17. 1989: Europe 14, United States 14 (Europe retained)
18. 1987: Europe 15, United States 13
19. 1985: Europe 16½, United States 11½
20. 1983: United States 14½, Europe 13½
21. 1981: United States 18½, Europe 9½
22. 1979: United States 17, Europe 11
23. 1977: United States 12½, Great Britain-Ireland 7½
24. 1975: United States 21, Great Britain-Ireland 11
25. 1973: United States 19, Great Britain-Ireland 13
26. 1971: United States 18½, Great Britain 13½
27. 1969: United States 16, Great Britain 16 (United States retained)
28. 1967: United States 23½, Great Britain 8½
29. 1965: United States 19½, Great Britain 12½
30. 1963: United States 23, Great Britain 9
31. 1961: United States 14½, Great Britain 9½
32. 1959: United States 8½, Great Britain 3½
33. 1957: Great Britain 7½, United States 4½
34. 1955: United States 8, Great Britain 4
35. 1953: United States 6½, Great Britain 5½
36. 1951: United States 9½, Great Britain 2½
37. 1949: United States 7, Great Britain 5
38. 1947: United States 11, Great Britain 1
39. 1937: United States 8, Great Britain 4
40. 1935: United States 9, Great Britain 3
41. 1933: Great Britain 6½, United States 5½
42. 1931: United States 9, Great Britain 3
43. 1929: Great Britain 7, United States 5
44. 1927: United States 9½, Great Britain 2½