Team Golf · Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup
Contested every two years between teams representing Europe and the United States, the Ryder Cup is the most prestigious team event in professional golf — and one of the greatest spectacles in sport.
What is the Ryder Cup?
The Ryder Cup is a biennial team golf competition played in match play format between Europe and the United States. First held in 1927, it is one of the oldest international team events in professional sport. No prize money is awarded — players compete purely for pride, country, and the Cup.
2025 Ryder Cup
Bethpage Black, New York
Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, New York, USA
Late September 2025
The 2025 Ryder Cup was scheduled to take place at Bethpage Black — one of the most demanding public golf courses in the world and a venue with major championship pedigree. For the confirmed result and full details, please check the official Ryder Cup website or Sky Sports Golf.
2023 Ryder Cup — Rome
Europe 16.5 – 11.5 USA
Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Rome, Italy
29 September – 1 October 2023
Key Performers
Jon Rahm delivered one of the great individual Ryder Cup performances, going 4-0-1 across the week. Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland also played outstanding roles as Europe dominated from the opening session, building an early lead they never relinquished.
Recent Ryder Cup Results
| Year | Venue | Result | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Marco Simone, Rome, Italy | 16.5 – 11.5 | Europe |
| 2021 | Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, USA | 19 – 9 | USA record margin |
| 2018 | Le Golf National, Paris, France | 17.5 – 10.5 | Europe |
| 2016 | Hazeltine National, Minnesota, USA | 17 – 11 | USA |
| 2014 | Gleneagles, Scotland | 16.5 – 11.5 | Europe |
| 2012 | Medinah Country Club, Illinois, USA | 14.5 – 13.5 | Europe Miracle at Medinah |
Overall Series Record
The United States leads the all-time Ryder Cup series. When the competition involved Great Britain & Ireland (before Europe joined in 1979), the USA won frequently. Since the format changed to Europe vs USA, the contest has been far more competitive — Europe has been the dominant force in the modern era, winning the majority of editions from 1985 onward.
Note: For the definitive all-time record including every edition since 1927, refer to the official Ryder Cup website at rydercup.com. The modern era (post-1979 Europe format) shows a much more even contest between the two teams.
How the Format Works
The Ryder Cup is played over three days, with a mix of team formats and individual match play.
Foursomes (Alternate Shot)
Two players per side share one ball, taking alternate shots. The captain decides who tees off on each hole. A strong partnership and course management are essential.
Fourballs (Best Ball)
Each player plays their own ball throughout the hole. The better (lower) score from each pair counts. A player having a bad hole matters less — their partner can pick up the slack.
Singles
All 12 players from each side go head-to-head in individual match play on the final day. 12 matches, 12 points available. Singles Sunday is often where the Ryder Cup is won or lost.
Three-Day Schedule
- Day 1Morning foursomes (4 matches) + afternoon fourballs (4 matches) = 8 points
- Day 2Morning fourballs (4 matches) + afternoon foursomes (4 matches) = 8 points
- Day 312 singles matches = 12 points available. The day the Cup is usually decided.
The Miracle at Medinah (2012)
Europe trailed 10-6 going into Sunday singles. They needed 8 points from 12 matches to win.
What followed is widely considered the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup history — and arguably in team sport.
The turning point came on Saturday evening when Ian Poulter holed five consecutive birdies to keep Europe's fourballs match alive and earn a vital point. Poulter's defiance seemed to shift the energy of the entire contest.
On Sunday, the European players fed off that momentum. Martin Kaymer holed the putt that retained the Cup, completing a 14.5-13.5 win. José María Olazábal, captaining the side in memory of his friend Seve Ballesteros who had died the year before, wept on the 18th green.
The 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah is a reminder of why the match play format makes the Ryder Cup uniquely compelling. No matter the score, it is never over.
How to Watch the Ryder Cup in the UK
The Ryder Cup receives extensive UK television coverage, typically shared between Sky Sports and the BBC.
Comprehensive live coverage of all three days. Sky typically holds the main broadcast rights, including all sessions from morning to evening.
BBC Sport has historically provided highlights and some live coverage of the Ryder Cup. Check the BBC Sport website for confirmed coverage arrangements for each edition.
Coverage details can vary. Always check with Sky Sports, BBC Sport, and the official Ryder Cup website for confirmed broadcast arrangements for each edition.