The Ryder Cup is a biennial mens golf competition between teams from Europe and the United States. The competition is contested every two years with the venue alternating between courses in the United States and Europe. The Ryder Cup involves various match play competitions between players selected from two teams of twelve. It takes place from a Friday to a Sunday with a total of 28 matches being played, all matches being over 18 holes. On Friday and Saturday, there are four fourball matches and four foursomes matches each day; a session of four matches in the morning and a session of four matches in the afternoon. On Sunday, there are 12 singles matches, when all team members play.

Here are the formats of the matches played in the Ryder Cup:

• Four-ball: Each member of a two-man team plays his own ball, so four balls are in play on every hole. Each team counts the lowest of its two scores on each hole.

• Foursomes: Each two-man team plays one ball per hole with the players taking turns until each hole is complete. Players alternate hitting tee shots, with one leading off on odd-numbered holes, and the other hitting first on even-numbered holes. The team with the low score on each hole wins that hole. If their scores are tied, the hole is halved.

• Singles: Each match features one player from each team. The player with the lower score on each hole wins that hole. If their scores are tied, the hole is halved.

The three days of the matches consist of 28 total matches, each of which is worth one point. A win in each match is worth 1 point, and a tie is worth a half-point (no extra holes). With 28 points up for grabs, whichever team reaches 14 ½ (or more) will claim the cup. If the competition ends in a 14-14 tie, the defending champion (U.S.) will retain the cup.