The Ryder Cup is a prestigious golf tournament that is played every two years between two teams of top players, one from the United States and one from Europe. The tournament is played in a format called match play, where team captains decide which players will compete in each match. The tournament consists of 28 matches, each worth one point, split into three different forms of competition: fourball, foursome, and singles matches. The first two days of the tournament consist of both fourball and foursomes, with four matches in each session. On the final day, all 12 team members will compete in singles matches. The formats are as follows:

• Fourball: Two-man teams representing each country square off against one another. However, the golfers must alternate hitting the same ball.

• 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.

A win in each match is worth 1 point, and a tie is worth a half-point. The first team to reach 14.5 points over the three days of play wins the Ryder Cup. If the 28 matches end in a 14-14 tie, the team holding the Ryder Cup will retain the trophy.