What’s Happening? – The Ryder Cup

Image by John Beagle via Flickr

The Ryder Cup is coming to town! From September 27th - October 2nd you'll be hearing a lot about golf. The Ryder cup is a huge Golf event that is played in even numbered years between the United States and Europe. This year it is happening right in our backyard – Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska. The Ryder Cup was started in 1927 and has been held 40 times. The US is ahead in wins with 25, however; Europe is the reigning champion – winning in 2014.

The cup is played between twelve member teams in five matches over three days. There are three different types of matches in the Cup. The first is fourballs. Each member of the two-man teams plays his ball so there are four balls on every hole. Each team counts the lowest score on the hole and the player who has the lowest score wins that hole for his team. The second type of match is foursomes. Each two-man team plays one ball per hole with the players taking turns until the hole is complete. The players have to alternate who starts on every hole. The team with the lowest score wins that hole. The last type of match is a singles match. In each singles match one player from each team is featured with the lowest score on each hole winning. Each match is worth one point. The first team to reach 14.5 points wins the Ryder Cup. If it ends with a 14-14 draw the team holding the cup retains it.

If you’d like to learn more about the Ryder Cup check out its website: http://www.rydercup.com/ There you’ll find up to date information about the rankings. You’ll also find information about the teams, the course and tickets if you’d like to experience the Cup in person.