Ryder Cup 2014: Format Rules, Match-Play Schedule and More Info
It's been two years since the European team earned a Ryder Cup victory after an American meltdown at Medinah. Now, in 2014, the United States finally get a chance for redemption—although, it won't be easy.
The European roster features world No. 1 Rory McIlroy, as well as many highly experienced—and successful—veterans of the event. Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose have all been excellent in year's past, and the team's less-experienced players have put together solid seasons.
Here's a look at the men the American team will be facing:
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As for the United States, the team's veterans haven't exactly been consistently phenomenal in the Ryder Cup. While both Phil Mickelson and Jim Furyk have almost 10 appearances, each has an overall losing record. The Americans will have to rely on young wild cards such as Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and Patrick Reed.
Fowler is already showing his pride. Take a look at his new haircut, via ESPN Golf:
We're certainly in for some inspiring, compelling golf, and to ensure not a moment of action is missed from Scotland, let's take a look at the full schedule and format rules.
| Friday, Sept. 26 | 2:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Foursomes/Fourballs | Golf Channel |
| Saturday, Sept. 27 | 3 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Foursomes/Fourballs | NBC |
| Sunday, Sept. 28 | 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Singles Matches | NBC |
Format Rules
Match Play
The entire tournament will feature a match-play format in which scores are measured by holes instead of strokes. For example, if Player A shoots a three on the first hole, and Player B shoots a five, Player A wins the hole. He would then be one-up for the match. If players shoot the same score on any given hole, that hole is considered halved, and the match continues without either player gaining or losing any ground.
This continues through as many holes as are necessary until one competitor cannot mathematically catch up to his opponent. For example, if Player A has a three-hole lead with only two holes left to play, he would win the match.
A match win provides one point for the victor's team, whereas a draw—a match that's even through 18 holes—yields a half point to each squad. There are 28 matches during the Ryder Cup, so the first team that accumulates 14.5 points would win the tournament. In the event both teams finish with 14 points, the event is tied, and the trophy remains with its previous owner—in 2014, that would be Europe.
Fourball
Consider the fourball format much like doubles in tennis. Two-man teams are formed from each side, and all of the four players will play their own ball throughout the duration of each hole. The player with the lowest score on a hole wins that hole for his team.
Foursomes
One of the most fun formats to watch at the Ryder Cup, foursomes is another variation of two-man teams competing against each other. However, the difference here is the alternate-shot format in which players take turns hitting the same ball throughout the duration of a hole.
For example, Player A hits the tee shot, and player B follows that up by hitting an approach to the green. Player A would then strike the first put, and if he misses, Player B would finish out the hole. These two players also alternate tee shots throughout the duration of the match.
Singles
This is the easiest format to understand for casual golf fans. Under match-play guidelines, one player from each team goes head-to-head until a winner of a match is determined. With 12 groups in play during this format, it is also the most exciting, as many points can be won and the entire tournament's outcome could quickly change in dramatic fashion.
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