Ryder Cup Scoring

The Ryder Cup is one of golf’s most exciting events, pitting Team USA vs. Team Europe every two years. Unlike traditional golf tournaments where the lowest total score wins, the Ryder Cup uses a match play format — making scoring simple, but very different from stroke play.

Match Play Basics

• Each match is worth 1 point.
• A match can end in:
  • Win → 1 point to the winning team.
  • Tie (halved) → ½ point to each team.
  • Loss → 0 points.
• There are 28 matches in total, so 28 points are available.

Ryder Cup Format & Scoring Breakdown

Day	Format	Matches Played	Points at Stake
Friday (Day 1)	Morning: Fourball Afternoon: Foursomes	8 total (4 + 4)	8 points
Saturday (Day 2)	Morning: Fourball Afternoon: Foursomes	8 total (4 + 4)	8 points
Sunday (Day 3)	Singles matches (head-to-head)	12 total	12 points
Total	—	28 matches	28 points

ow a Team Wins the Ryder Cup

• The first team to 14½ points wins the Ryder Cup outright.
• If the competition ends in a 14–14 tie, the current holder retains the Cup.

Example Scenarios

• USA wins 15–13 → USA takes the Ryder Cup.
• Europe ties 14–14 while holding the previous Cup → Europe retains the trophy.
• Dominant victory → e.g., 19–9 (as USA did in 2021).

Key Terms to Know

• Foursomes (Alternate Shot) → Two-player teams, each side hits one ball alternately until the hole is completed.
• Fourball (Better Ball) → Each of the two partners plays their own ball; the best score counts for the team.
• Singles → One-on-one match play, player vs. player.

Why This Scoring Makes the Ryder Cup Special

• Every hole matters — a single putt can swing an entire point.
• Momentum can shift quickly as matches finish across the course.
• The team format and point system create drama unlike any other golf event.